DMK Govt Presents Budget Amidst AIADMK’s TASMAC ‘Scam’ Allegations

The DMK government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, unveiled the Tamil Nadu Budget for 2025-26, emphasizing welfare schemes and infrastructure development. However, the budget session was overshadowed by allegations of corruption from the opposition AIADMK.

The budget introduced several key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Tamil Nadu’s residents. Among the highlights were the expansion of the fare-free bus travel scheme for women, benefiting 50 lakh women daily, and the allocation of ₹13,807 crore for the “Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam,” which provides ₹1,000 monthly assistance to women. Additionally, ₹2,000 crore was set aside to distribute tablets or laptops to 20 lakh college students, and ₹3,500 crore was allocated for the construction of 1 lakh new houses under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme.

Despite these announcements, the session took a contentious turn as AIADMK MLAs staged a walkout. Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the DMK government of a ₹40,000 crore scam involving the state-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited). Palaniswami demanded the government’s resignation, citing moral responsibility for the alleged corruption. The Enforcement Directorate’s recent raids and the recovery of incriminating documents added fuel to the controversy.

The budget, presented ahead of next year’s state elections, is seen as a critical moment for the DMK government. While the welfare measures have been lauded by supporters, the opposition’s allegations have cast a shadow over the proceedings. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains charged as both parties gear up for the upcoming electoral battle.