Union Budget: Allies cheer, Oppn slams

CHENNAI: The alliance partners of the BJP, including the AIADMK, PMK and Tamil Maanila Congress welcomed the Union Budget tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami thanked the Centre for announcing infra boost to Tamil Nadu under which the second phase of Chennai Metro Rail project will be funded by the Centre to a tune of Rs 63,246 crore. The CM also welcomed the announcement that the national highways authority will lay roads to an extent of 3,500 km in the state.

AIADMK coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam

termed the Budget as a progressive one assuring adequate funds for developmental projects in the state. The Centre has increased the overall NABARD assistance from Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore and this will boost rural economy. PMK leader Ramadoss welcomed the budget stating that the budget had reforms for farmers.

AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran welcomed the budget for relaxing tax liabilities for those above 75 years.

The Tamil Nadu BJP unit also welcomed the Budget. “The new schemes like infra boost for TN highways, railways and the fishing ports will help the saffron party to intensify the campaign in the state,” BJP headquarters sources said.

Ammunition to Opposition

However, the DMK-led Opposition has found fresh ammunition ahead of the Assembly polls as the Centre has revived its interest in the controversial Salem Chennai Eight Lane project.

DMK president MK Stalin said, “Only Chief Minister Palaniswami will be enthused by the announcement.” A Congress spokesman who did not want to be quoted said, “Indeed, we will use it against the ruling alliance… How will PMK defend the project it had opposed till a few months ago? All parties in our alliance want the project scrapped.”