FM tables Interim Budget, accuses Centre of 'unfairly' treating Tamil Nadu

FM Thangam Thenarasu also accused Centre for attempting to create fiscal crisis in Tamil Nadu

Presenting the Interim Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu on Tuesday said the union government appears to leave no stone unturned to artificially precipitate a fiscal crisis in Tamil Nadu.

Making Budgetary allocations and explaining the flagship schemes of the government and its impact, the Minister said in a federal polity, there were several instances in the past where states had been unfairly treated by the union government.

He further said: "However, I firmly believe that the extent of challenges faced by this government is unprecedented. In every field, be it denial of sanction of major infrastructure projects for Tamil Nadu, withholding of release of funds for centrally sponsored schemes, curtailment of tax revenues without due consultation, or unfair imposition of conditions to mandate expenditure, the union government appears to leave no stone unturned to artificially precipitate a fiscal crisis in Tamil Nadu."  He listed the challenges being faced by the government in the current financial year.

 

The Interim Budget speech of the minister was nearly 2.30-hour long and it is considered as among the lengthiest addresses.

The assembly election is due in April 2026 in Tamil Nadu and it is expected that the polls will be held that month.