Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has issued a strong warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the 2024-25 central budget allocation. Stalin criticized the budget, stating it favors Modi's political preferences rather than addressing national needs.
The Chief Minister accused the central government of neglecting Tamil Nadu, particularly noting the lack of funds allocated for the announced Metro Rail Scheme. He declared that Tamil Nadu would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Modi on July 27 in Delhi.
Stalin shared a video on social media showing opposition leaders protesting outside Parliament with placards reading "The country wants India's budget, not NDA's budget."
The CM suggested that Modi has forgotten about parties not supporting his government. He argued that southern states, which largely rejected Modi's party in recent elections, have been allocated a limited share in this year's budget despite their significant contributions to the national GDP and tax revenue.
Reports from BBC and The Economist highlight the disparity between northern and southern Indian states in terms of literacy rates, population growth, and tax contributions, with southern states generally performing better in these areas.