New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) — On Tuesday, members of opposition parties, including Congress and the DMK, accused the NDA government of neglecting southern states in a debate during the Rajya Sabha discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury and DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu voiced strong concerns about the lack of financial support and unfulfilled commitments made to southern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Chowdhury highlighted how promises made to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during their bifurcation—such as establishing a steel plant and a Central Tribal University—have been ignored by the central government over the past nine years. She pointed out that while Telangana contributes 4.5% of India's GDP, it only receives a minuscule return of 4 paise for every rupee it pays in taxes to the Union government. “Every rupee that a young state like Telangana contributes to the Union government, they give us back only 4 paise,” Chowdhury lamented.
She further accused the ruling party of discrimination against southern states, alleging that it has no political presence in the region, which contributes to their marginalization.
DMK's Kanimozhi echoed similar grievances, claiming that Tamil Nadu has been treated unfairly by the Centre. She criticized the President’s speech, which spoke of serving the 140 crore people of India, yet failed to announce any schemes or funds for Tamil Nadu. "Tamil Nadu has been treated in a step-motherly way," she said. The MP pointed to the state's requests for relief funds following recent natural disasters, noting that Tamil Nadu had asked for Rs 45,000 crore but had only received Rs 276 crore from the Centre so far.
Kanimozhi also highlighted the disparity under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, noting that for every rupee paid by Tamil Nadu, the state gets only 29 paise back, whereas Uttar Pradesh receives Rs 2.73. She criticized the lack of funding for critical sectors like railways, education, and housing in the state.
On the issue of governance, Kanimozhi questioned the role of the Governor in Tamil Nadu, accusing the position of causing unnecessary delays in approving resolutions passed by the democratically elected state assembly.
While Kanimozhi focused on the central government's disregard for southern states, Chowdhury broadened her criticism, addressing several other national issues. She spoke about the country’s economic challenges, including the weakening rupee, rising inflation, and the growing unemployment rate among educated youth. She also expressed concerns about India’s preparedness for the ongoing tariff war between major economies, warning that the country has not sufficiently geared up to tackle the fallout.
Additionally, Chowdhury criticized the declining values in Parliament, citing instances of hate speeches by High Court judges and the subsequent elevation of these individuals to Parliament. She argued that such actions are diminishing the dignity of the institution.
Throughout the session, opposition MPs raised slogans of support, underscoring the concerns voiced by Chowdhury and Kanimozhi.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury and DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu voiced strong concerns about the lack of financial support and unfulfilled commitments made to southern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Chowdhury highlighted how promises made to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during their bifurcation—such as establishing a steel plant and a Central Tribal University—have been ignored by the central government over the past nine years. She pointed out that while Telangana contributes 4.5% of India's GDP, it only receives a minuscule return of 4 paise for every rupee it pays in taxes to the Union government. “Every rupee that a young state like Telangana contributes to the Union government, they give us back only 4 paise,” Chowdhury lamented.
She further accused the ruling party of discrimination against southern states, alleging that it has no political presence in the region, which contributes to their marginalization.
DMK's Kanimozhi echoed similar grievances, claiming that Tamil Nadu has been treated unfairly by the Centre. She criticized the President’s speech, which spoke of serving the 140 crore people of India, yet failed to announce any schemes or funds for Tamil Nadu. "Tamil Nadu has been treated in a step-motherly way," she said. The MP pointed to the state's requests for relief funds following recent natural disasters, noting that Tamil Nadu had asked for Rs 45,000 crore but had only received Rs 276 crore from the Centre so far.
Kanimozhi also highlighted the disparity under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, noting that for every rupee paid by Tamil Nadu, the state gets only 29 paise back, whereas Uttar Pradesh receives Rs 2.73. She criticized the lack of funding for critical sectors like railways, education, and housing in the state.
On the issue of governance, Kanimozhi questioned the role of the Governor in Tamil Nadu, accusing the position of causing unnecessary delays in approving resolutions passed by the democratically elected state assembly.
While Kanimozhi focused on the central government's disregard for southern states, Chowdhury broadened her criticism, addressing several other national issues. She spoke about the country’s economic challenges, including the weakening rupee, rising inflation, and the growing unemployment rate among educated youth. She also expressed concerns about India’s preparedness for the ongoing tariff war between major economies, warning that the country has not sufficiently geared up to tackle the fallout.
Additionally, Chowdhury criticized the declining values in Parliament, citing instances of hate speeches by High Court judges and the subsequent elevation of these individuals to Parliament. She argued that such actions are diminishing the dignity of the institution.
Throughout the session, opposition MPs raised slogans of support, underscoring the concerns voiced by Chowdhury and Kanimozhi.
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