DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson criticized the Centre for favoring selective statistics and neglecting Tamil Nadu in budget allocations. Wilson disputed Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s claim of a 7.5-fold increase in railway funding for Tamil Nadu under the current government, highlighting a 25-fold growth in the national Railway Budget. Despite Tamil Nadu’s allocation rising from Rs 879 crore to Rs 6,626 crore, Wilson argued that this increase pales in comparison to other states like Gujarat, Delhi, and Maharashtra, which saw significantly higher growth multiples.
Wilson emphasized the disparity in allocations by pointing out that several states received proportionately higher increases in railway spending compared to Tamil Nadu. He urged for fair treatment and expedited implementation of pending projects, citing delays in integrating Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System with the Chennai Metro Rail network. Additionally, Wilson sought clarification on stalled railway projects, their current funding status, and the sluggish progress in addressing Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure requirements.
