Finance Minister ThangamThennarasu presented the supplementary budget in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly meeting. Some of the information he released then shocked and pained the people of Tamil Nadu.
He laid out layer upon layer of evidence how badly Tamil Nadu is being cheated in the financial sector by the Union Government. The Finance Minister's clear explanation is one to be appreciated.
Tamil Nadu continues to lead in direct taxation contribution of the Union Government. But, have we received a tax break commensurate with that contribution?...No, not at all.
For example we pay one rupee as tax revenue to the Union Government; In return, the union government gives us only 29 paise. At the same time, do you know how much the state will get back from the union government if the ruling state of Uttar Pradesh collects one rupee?Rs. 2.73 which is almost three times more.
The tax contribution of Uttar Pradesh is Rs 2.24 lakh crore. But, the share it got back from the Union government was Rs 9.04 lakh crore. Tamil Nadu's share is Rs 5.16 lakh crore. But we got only Rs.2.08 lakh crore as tax distribution from the Union Government.
For 15 years, this allocation of funds, which could be equal to the contribution, has been continuously denied to Tamil Nadu. People of Tamil Nadu should understand this.The stage is ready to talk to people about this. Yes, 2024 is the field for parliamentary elections. The time has come to expose the Union Government's tendency to cheat Tamil Nadu. This is what Finance Minister has been talking about in the Legislative Assembly. Talking about this is the main duty of the political parties, including the opposition parties, who are competing to steal the votes of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu MPs in the Parliament should shun political machinations and shout to get the necessary funds and justice from the Union Government.
Let us all unite and carry forward the struggle.