DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai heavily criticized the Union Budget 2025, labeling the BJP-led government a “minority government” that is focused on staying in power rather than addressing national economic concerns.
“Budget Focused on Bihar Elections, Not on Development”
Speaking to ANI, Annadurai stated that the budget was crafted to appease BJP’s alliance partners, particularly Nitish Kumar (JD-U) and Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), as the party relies on their support to stay in power.
“This budget is about staying in power. BJP is a minority government. They are at the mercy of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, so they have to appease them. Plus, Bihar is about to have elections,” he alleged.
Tamil Nadu Ignored Despite Economic Contribution
The DMK leader further criticized the BJP government for neglecting Tamil Nadu, which he described as one of the best-performing states in the country.
“When no special efforts are made for a best-performing state like Tamil Nadu, which provides funds for states like Bihar and UP, it shows their (the government’s) short-sighted views,” Annadurai remarked.
He argued that Tamil Nadu was ignored in the budget because BJP sees no political gain in the state, unlike Bihar, where elections are due soon.
“Income Tax Relief Is a Gimmick for Delhi Elections”
While the government has projected income tax relief for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh as a major highlight, Annadurai dismissed it as an election gimmick aimed at securing votes in Delhi.
“They want to paint the entire budget around one announcement—income tax relief up to ₹12 lakh. Even if it helps people, it only benefits a minuscule minority. This relief is aimed at the Delhi elections because most of the beneficiaries reside in New Delhi,” he claimed.
Opposition Slams Budget for Ignoring Unemployment, MGNREGA
The DMK is not alone in its criticism. The Congress and other opposition parties have also slammed the budget, stating that it fails to address unemployment and that the government is “throttling MGNREGA”, a crucial rural employment scheme.
Key Budget Announcements by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
In her February 1 Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced:
🔹 No income tax on an average monthly income up to ₹1 lakh, aiming to boost household savings and consumption.
🔹 Focus on four key sectors: Agriculture, MSMEs, Investment, and Exports.
🔹 Fiscal deficit target: Estimated at 4.8% for FY25, with a goal to reduce it to 4.4% in FY26.
Despite these announcements, opposition parties remain unconvinced, arguing that the budget prioritizes electoral politics over economic growth and equitable development.
With the Bihar elections approaching, and Tamil Nadu feeling sidelined, the political debate over Union Budget 2025 is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.