DMK MP Tiruchi Siva Criticizes Union Budget for Neglecting Tamil Nadu
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva raised concerns about the Union Budget, stating that Tamil Nadu has been neglected. He criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not addressing the state’s needs, including flood relief and funding for the Chennai Metro Rail Project.
Siva said, “The Budget session has started. FM presented the Budget to the Parliament… As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, we are in anguish that we have been totally neglected.”
Sitharaman presented her seventh straight Budget on July 23 for the fiscal 2024-25. This was the first Budget by the BJP-led NDA government since it was re-elected in June. DMK, including Congress, alleged discrimination against Opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget presented by Sitharaman.
Sitharaman made major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, including a boost in infrastructure and special financial support. Siva elaborated, “In the Budget, it has been announced that some compensation may be given to some states that may be affected by floods – like Bihar and Jharkhand. Whereas, Tamil Nadu has already been affected by flood and cyclones, and we had requested a relief of Rs 37,000 crore. But so far, only Rs 276 crores has been given.”
The DMK MP further said that the state government spent money on the Metro Rail Project in Chennai but the Union government did not even spend a single penny. “For the second Metro Rail Project in Chennai, for which the State Government has spent nearly Rs 63,000 crores, the Union Government has not given even one paisa. Why is a state, that is opposing the present ruling party is victimised?”
Siva asserted that they want the Central government to acknowledge their demands and issues. “We want the House to run very smoothly…We expect the government to respond to our demands and issues but their attitude remains the same as it was during the earlier government,” he said.
According to the Finance Ministry, the budget outlined a robust plan focusing on jobs, MSME, the agriculture sector, startups, and economic growth amid global uncertainties. It added that India’s inflation remains low and stable, progressing towards the 4 per cent target, with core inflation (excluding food and fuel) at 3.1 per cent. Measures are being taken to ensure an adequate market supply of perishable goods.
The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.
Doubts Revealed
DMK -: DMK stands for Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. It is a political party in Tamil Nadu, a state in India.
MP -: MP stands for Member of Parliament. It is a person who has been elected to represent people in the Parliament of India.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is a financial plan presented by the government of India every year. It shows how the government plans to spend money and collect taxes.
Tamil Nadu -: Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and industries.
Finance Minister -: The Finance Minister is a person in the government who is responsible for managing the country’s money and economy. Nirmala Sitharaman is the current Finance Minister of India.
Chennai Metro Rail Project -: The Chennai Metro Rail Project is a transportation system in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It helps people travel quickly and easily across the city.
Central government -: The Central government is the main government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country. It is also called the Union government.
Budget session -: The budget session is a period when the Parliament meets to discuss and approve the Union Budget. It usually happens once a year.
