Published Feb 07, 2026 | 4:10 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 07, 2026 | 4:10 PM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2026.
Synopsis: The Alliance alleged that the Union Budget failed to release or allocate funds for key welfare and infrastructure schemes in Tamil Nadu, including allocations for education, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and drinking water connection projects. It claimed that no funds had been earmarked for the State’s development, amounting to a deliberate neglect of Tamil Nadu by the Union government.
The Secular Progressive Alliance has announced that it will hold a state wide protest on 12 February, 2026, accusing the BJP-led Union government of discriminating against Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget and alleging that the AIADMK has supported the Centre despite the State being denied funds and development projects.
In a statement, the Alliance said the protest would be held at 10.30 am, with demonstrations planned at one location in each municipal corporation and at the union, town and panchayat levels across the State.
The Alliance alleged that the Union Budget failed to release or allocate funds for key welfare and infrastructure schemes in Tamil Nadu, including allocations for education, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and drinking water connection projects. It claimed that no funds had been earmarked for the State’s development, amounting to a deliberate neglect of Tamil Nadu by the Union government.
Criticising the AIADMK, the Alliance said the party continued to back the BJP-led Centre despite what it described as a clear denial of financial support and development initiatives to Tamil Nadu.
The statement also accused the Union government of weakening the rural employment guarantee programme by failing to provide adequate funding, which it said threatened the livelihoods of rural and economically vulnerable sections. It further alleged that trade agreements allowing the import of agricultural products from the United States would adversely affect farmers and the agricultural economy.
Describing the Centre’s policies as harmful to rural communities and farmers, the Alliance said the combined impact of reduced employment support and agricultural policy decisions would push large sections of the rural population into distress. It alleged that the AIADMK had remained complicit in these policies.
The Secular Progressive Alliance called upon its party functionaries, elected representatives, local body members and cadre to participate in the protest and raise their voices against what it termed as the Union government’s discriminatory approach towards Tamil Nadu.
The statement concluded by asserting that Tamil Nadu would continue to resist policies that undermine the State’s development and welfare.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
