Chennai: “Without giving additional importance to livelihood sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, handloom, and small-scale industries, development cannot be created through announcements alone. What people expect is not publicity,” said Velmurugan, leader of the Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi.
In a statement issued by him on this, he said, “The budget presented for the year 2026–27 by Finance Minister Thiru. Mari Wilson in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is not a document that fully meets the expectations of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Although this budget statement contained many new announcements, it did not present a clear action plan for job creation, expansion of the manufacturing sector, schemes to revive small, micro and medium enterprises, or concrete measures to increase farmers’ incomes — all of which should form the foundation for Tamil Nadu’s economic growth.
A government that operates with the people’s tax money cannot stop at merely announcing new schemes. What is the financial source for those schemes? When will they come into effect? There must also be a clear explanation of the timeline within which they will be implemented.
As Tamil Nadu’s economy continues to face an increasing debt burden day by day, this budget did not include, to the expected extent, productive economic policies that would raise government revenue, new investments, permanent employment opportunities, and strong plans for balanced district-wise development.
Without giving greater importance to livelihood sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, handloom, and small industries, growth cannot be created through announcements alone. What people expect is not publicity, but actions that improve their quality of life.
Therefore, I urge that the government fully implement the schemes announced in this budget within the stipulated timeframe, and immediately announce a distinctive action plan in the areas of employment, industrial growth, agriculture, and economic self-reliance,” he said on behalf of the Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi.