Nirmala Sitharaman Welcomes TVK Stance on Administrative Cooperation in Kancheepuram

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday welcomed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay's statement that his government would cooperate with the Union government on administrative matters. Speaking to reporters in Kancheepuram after a book release event, Sitharaman welcomed the stance despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being viewed as the TVK's ideological enemy, reaffirming the Union government's commitment to supporting the state.

Sitharaman stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never directed her to differentiate between states regarding fund allocations or project distributions. She asserted that Tamil Nadu has consistently received its due share of funds from the Union government, highlighting several mega projects implemented in Tuticorin as evidence of this ongoing cooperation.

The Finance Minister also addressed the issue of Tamil Nadu's rising debt. While she noted that there is nothing inherently wrong with states borrowing funds, she emphasized that these resources must be utilized for capital investments. According to Sitharaman, borrowed funds should be directed toward creating long-term assets such as schools, hospitals, or industries that can cater to the needs of the population for the next 50 years and help the economy grow.

Sitharaman contrasted this approach with the actions of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). She criticized the DMK for focusing on revenue expenditure, pointing out that they gave money to the people and offered salary hikes. While she stated she was not against such measures, she argued they should only be implemented when a state possesses excess revenue.

Furthermore, the Union Minister justified a "short story" told by Vijay that taunted former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin over a defeat in the recent assembly election. Sitharaman defended the political move, stating there was nothing wrong with it and asking where else political debates would occur if not in the context of the assembly.