Tamil Nadu Budget: TVK government merely changed the name of DMK’s schemes, alleges Udhayanidhi

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government merely changed the names of schemes previously introduced by the DMK government. During the presentation of the Revised Budget Estimates 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, Stalin accused the Chief Minister’s pre-Budget meeting with officials of being solely aimed at renaming existing schemes.

He criticized the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Scheme, stating it fell short of the Chief Minister’s election promise to extend benefits to all children in Tamil Nadu. The Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme, Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Scheme, and Olympic Centres of Excellence were all introduced under the DMK regime, according to Stalin.

Additionally, the Anbu Cholai scheme for senior citizens, Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil laptop distribution scheme, Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Thittam, Model Schools, and Mudhalvar Padaipagangal were also renamed under the TVK-led government, Stalin claimed. He questioned the government’s ability to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the Mekedatu dam project, citing The Hindu’s report of Cauvery water receipt reaching a 50-year low.

DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu countered Stalin’s criticism by stating that the Revised Budget Estimates disproved allegations made against the previous DMK government in a White Paper. The State’s annual borrowing rose from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹1.22 lakh crore under the DMK’s tenure, and capital expenditure was reduced by ₹3,000 crore while revenue deficit increased to ₹7,000 crore, according to Thennarasu.