AIADMK and DMK Slam Union Budget 2024 Over Claims of State Neglect

AIADMK's Kovai Sathyan and DMK's Dayanidhi Maran criticized the Union Budget 2024, alleging it neglected Tamil Nadu and other states. Protests are planned for July 27. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed concerns over biased allocations favoring BJP-supporting states.

In a sharp critique of the Union Budget 2024, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan labeled the budget as a severe letdown for states expecting financial aid from the Central government. 'It is a huge disappointment not only for Tamil Nadu but for many other states who were waiting for financial support from the Central government. You can neither call this a budget with reforms nor a budget with caution,' Sathyan remarked.

Adding to the outcry, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced statewide protests on July 27, accusing the Union Government of neglecting Tamil Nadu in the budget. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prioritizing parties that support his administration over the welfare of the general public.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Congress president and Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, alleged that the Union Budget discriminates against opposition-ruled states and benefits states allied with the BJP. Kharge pointed out that major budgetary announcements were made for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, while neglecting other states. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had presented the budget, highlighting significant infrastructure boosts for these states.

(With inputs from agencies.)