AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday criticised the TVK government’s maiden Budget for 2026-27, describing it as a “huge disappointment” and assigning it “zero” marks over what he alleged was a lack of major new schemes and failure to fulfil key election promises.
Palaniswami questioned why several assurances made by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during the Assembly election campaign were not reflected in the Budget. He specifically highlighted promises related to increasing monthly financial assistance for women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500, providing six free LPG cylinders to households and waiving farm loans.
The AIADMK leader said people had expected the first Budget of the TVK government to provide a clear roadmap for implementing these commitments. He alleged that the government had failed to introduce significant welfare measures or provide details on how it planned to deliver on its electoral assurances.
Also Read: Law and Order Set to Dominate Punjab’s 2027 Election Battle
Palaniswami also raised concerns over Tamil Nadu’s financial situation, pointing to the state’s reported debt of Rs 10,98,768 crore and fiscal deficit of Rs 1,21,819 crore. He questioned how the government intended to fund its proposed programmes and claimed that additional borrowing had already taken place during its short period in office.
The former Chief Minister criticised the TVK government’s decision to appoint a five-member expert committee to recommend measures for improving the state’s financial position. He expressed doubts over the purpose of the panel and alleged that such committees could eventually be used to justify further borrowing.
Palaniswami compared the move with committees formed during the previous DMK government and accused the ruling administration of failing to address financial challenges while not meeting the expectations created during the election campaign. The TVK government’s first Budget has triggered criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned its priorities and implementation plans.
Also Read: Centre Steps Up Response as Chandipura Virus Threatens Two States