Chennai, August 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu unit’s chief spokesperson, Narayanan Tirupati, harshly criticized the state’s budget on Friday, labeling it as visionless. He stated that there is no clear plan to reduce the growing debt burden or to create productive assets. Additionally, he emphasized that Tamil Nadu’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute are fully protected under the law.
In an interview, Tirupati noted that the state’s debt has doubled over the past five years.
“It is true that the debt burden has doubled in the last five years. But what is your plan to reduce this debt? What assets have you created? Nothing. This budget lacks vision,” he said.
He further remarked, “Some points may be partially correct, but you are about to increase the debt burden further. It could rise by at least 50 percent, as the government has no clear plan to increase revenue.”
Tirupati also criticized the allocations made for agriculture and infrastructure in recent budget sessions.
“Today’s, yesterday’s, and the previous agricultural budgets seem quite immature and impractical. This government is completely visionless. There is no roadmap for infrastructure investment,” he stated.
He expressed surprise at the proposals for capital expenditure, noting that ₹8,000 crores have been allocated for the expansion of the Ennore thermal power project.
Regarding the Cauvery water dispute, the BJP spokesperson expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu’s rights are fully secure.
“In the Cauvery matter, everything is legally protected and operates based on the Supreme Court’s decision. The Cauvery Water Management Authority is also in place. Therefore, Tamil Nadu’s interests are completely safeguarded,” he said.
He added, “If Karnataka even thinks of obstructing Cauvery water, it cannot do so. As far as the Mekedatu project is concerned, we all know that if a dam is built there, it will affect Tamil Nadu. Our stance is that this dam should not be constructed. The Cauvery Water Management Authority will also address this in its meetings.”
Tirupati welcomed Chief Minister Vijay’s decision to convene an all-party meeting.
“There is nothing wrong with this. It is a positive step. The Chief Minister is inviting all MPs, and all Tamil Nadu MPs should participate. There is no harm in discussion and deliberation,” he stated.
He further noted, “The DMK has also said that there should be no reduction in water shares, and we have been saying the same for a long time. Proper discussion and deliberation should be welcomed.”
Tirupati reminded that a similar all-party meeting was previously held in Karnataka, attended by leaders, MPs, and former Chief Ministers from various parties.
“When an all-party meeting can be held in Karnataka, what is wrong with organizing such a meeting in Tamil Nadu?” He also urged all Tamil Nadu MPs to participate.
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