Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s Interim Budget for 2026–27, likening it to a “fig tree” that seems impressive on the surface but lacks depth. Palaniswami accused the ruling DMK government of not fulfilling promises made to various sectors, including government employees, and highlighted a decline of Rs 26,000 crore in the State’s tax revenue.
Palaniswami raised concerns about the government’s fiscal management, noting the continuous increase in borrowing despite the formation of an expert committee to address the State’s financial situation. He warned that if the fiscal deficit rises, it will lead to higher taxes for the people. The AIADMK leader also criticized the Agriculture Budget, stating that it provided little relief to farmers and lacked substantial support for the farming community.
Using a metaphor, Palaniswami described the Interim Budget as a fig tree that appears attractive externally but is hollow and unproductive upon closer inspection. He emphasized that the government seemed more focused on presentation rather than implementing meaningful policy measures. The presentation of both the Interim Budget and Agriculture Budget in the Assembly has sparked strong reactions from the Opposition as Assembly elections draw near, setting the stage for intense debates on the State’s financial health and welfare commitments.
