Union Budget 2026–27 Betrays Tamil Nadu, Says CM M.K. Stalin

Chennai, Feb 2026 : Accusing the Union Budget 2026–27 of completely ignoring Tamil Nadu’s development needs, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said the Centre had “betrayed” the state by neither allocating funds nor announcing any new schemes. He questioned whether the Centre’s approach stemmed from its assessment of the upcoming elections and the belief that Tamil Nadu would once again reject the BJP at the polls.

Speaking at a public event in Tindivanam, Villupuram district, to mark the completion of 10,000 camps under the ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ (Stalin With You) scheme, the Chief Minister alleged that the BJP and its allies were consistently working against Tamil Nadu’s development. In contrast, he said, the DMK government was committed to understanding people’s needs and addressing them through initiatives such as ‘Ungaludan Stalin’.

Stalin said the Union Budget proposals had not only failed to meet Tamil Nadu’s long-pending demands but had also completely overlooked the state, despite it being India’s second-largest economy, one of the most urbanised states, and home to the highest number of industries in the country. He pointed out that even the long-standing tradition of including at least one couplet from the Thirukkural in the Union Budget speech had been abandoned this year, symbolising what he described as the Centre’s disregard for Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP’s usual strategy of allocating funds to poll-bound states was also not followed in Tamil Nadu’s case. While states such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—where elections are due—received attention and allocations, Tamil Nadu was ignored, he said. According to Stalin, this reflected the Centre’s “hatred and hostility” towards the state, which faces elections this year.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s contribution to the national exchequer, Stalin said the state required significant infrastructure development, including new highways, expanded railway networks, and metro rail projects, to sustain its role in driving India’s growth. “A state that works so hard for the country’s progress and contributes so much in taxes receives very little in return,” he said.

Stalin noted that Tamil Nadu had not received a single special scheme from the Centre over the past 11 years, despite repeated representations. He asserted that the Dravidian Model Government 2.0, which he expressed confidence would return to power after the elections, would roll out more people-centric schemes and work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Reflecting on the DMK government’s performance since assuming office in May 2021, Stalin said his administration had prioritised addressing people’s immediate concerns rather than focusing solely on large-scale projects. He highlighted the work of the ‘Chief Minister’s Address’ Department, formed by integrating three departments, which has resolved public grievances raised through 1.49 crore petitions since the government came to power.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the DMK government’s governance model was rooted in accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness. Through programmes like ‘Ungaludan Stalin’, he said, the government had taken administration directly to the people’s doorstep, ensuring that grievances were heard and resolved efficiently.

Concluding his address, Stalin said Tamil Nadu would continue to fight for its rightful share of resources and recognition. He asserted that the state’s development would not be stalled by what he termed as the Centre’s discriminatory approach, and vowed that the DMK would persist in safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s interests while delivering on its promises to the people.