DMK Protests Union Budget, Citing Neglect of Tamil Nadu

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran criticized the recent Union Budget, claiming southern states, especially Tamil Nadu, are being neglected. DMK held state-wide protests, alleging unfair resource allocation compared to states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin boycotted a key NITI Aayog meeting in protest.

In response to the Union Budget, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran claimed on Saturday that southern states are being 'neglected' by the central government. The DMK staged protests across Tamil Nadu's district headquarters, accusing the Union Budget of sidelining the state.

'Southern states, especially Tamil Nadu, are constantly being neglected by the Modi government. We have been requesting funds for the second phase of the metro for the past three years, with zero allocation yet,' stated Maran. He also highlighted the significant funds allocated to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, calling it a disparity.

'The Rs 16,000 crore given to Andhra Pradesh is a loan guarantee, which means CM Chandrababu Naidu can secure loans but must repay them with interest. The reality of this will soon emerge,' Maran added. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin boycotted the NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing discriminatory budget practices.

Addressing the public, Chief Minister Stalin labeled the Union Budget as a 'vengeful act' against states that did not support the BJP. 'The Union Government continues to act contrary to our progressive ideas,' he said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcements included major infrastructure boosts for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh but drew ire from Tamil Nadu's leaders. The clash comes as the NITI Aayog meeting, themed 'Viksit Bharat@2047', aims to craft a vision for a developed India by 2047.