Tamil Nadu Boycotts NITI Aayog Meet Over Union Budget Snub

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a boycott of the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming the Union Budget ignored the state entirely. Opposition parties voiced their disappointment, citing the budget's favoritism towards states allied with the BJP.

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday declared Tamil Nadu's decision to boycott the July 27 NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi to protest the perceived neglect of the state in the Union Budget. The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The state's main opposition, the AIADMK, labeled the budget a "big disappointment" and an effort to appease BJP-ruled states, arguing it fails to ensure equitable economic development for India.

Stalin criticized the Union Budget for favoring certain states, presumably allies like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, while ignoring Tamil Nadu's needs. He emphasized ongoing efforts to assert Tamil Nadu's rights and highlighted a planned protest by DMK MPs on July 24 in Delhi.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami echoed these sentiments, expressing dismay over the budget's lack of new initiatives for Tamil Nadu. He accused the BJP government of harboring a grudge against the state and criticized the DMK for inaction in Parliament.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu also voiced his concerns, stating the Centre has repeatedly ignored Chief Minister Stalin's demands. He suggested Tamil Nadu has been betrayed by the Union government, which has generously allocated funds to other states.

Even BJP allies were disappointed. PMK founder Dr. Ramadas noted the budget's failure to announce projects for Tamil Nadu, despite reductions in taxes and customs duties for certain goods. TNCC, MDMK, and CPI leaders similarly criticized the budget for its lack of initiatives to foster growth, employment, and economic equality.