Sitharaman criticizes TN govt for claiming caste census credit

Chennai

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday rejected the DMK government's claim that the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census was a hard-earned victory. She criticized the Tamil Nadu government for attempting to gain political advantage from the move. Sitharaman clarified that the Union Cabinet had approved the caste census to help better support marginalized and poor sections of society.

She also highlighted a recent incident in Tamil Nadu, where human waste was allegedly mixed into drinking water in a Scheduled Caste neighborhood in Pudukkottai district under DMK rule. Sitharaman pointed out that similar incidents hadn't occurred in other states, questioning the DMK's claims of victory over the caste census.

Sitharaman further criticized the DMK for continuing to display community names on shop boards, emphasizing the need for discussions focused on helping the marginalized. She also refuted allegations that the Centre favors corporations, citing the Vizhinjam Port, handed over to the Adani Group by the previous Congress government.

On the issue of state funds, Sitharaman responded to DMK claims, noting that she has shared data on fund allocations during her visits to Tamil Nadu. She revealed that even a DMK MP privately thanked her for MGNREGA funds but publicly criticized the Centre for withholding support.

Lastly, Sitharaman defended the Goods and Services Tax (GST), explaining it was a compilation of pre-existing taxes and stressing that GST decisions are made by the GST Council, not a single individual.