Why Should States Change Policy? Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Slams Modi Govt Over Freebie Debate

Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr P Thiaga Rajan chastised the government for its stance on freebies. Dr P Thiaga Rajan questioned why the central government should dictate what other state governments can and cannot do.

"Either you have a constitutional rationale for what you're saying, or you have some expertise that shows you know more than we do." Or you must have some data that shows you have thrived the economy, curtailed debt, and provided jobs, and then we will listen. "Why should we listen to somebody's point of view when neither of these is the case?" Dr P Thiaga Rajan asked.

 

The Tamil Nadu finance minister claimed that his state outperforms the Union government significantly

 

 "Why should I consider someone else's point of view?" My chief minister assigned me a task, which I am completing. I am far outperforming the Union government. We are significant net contributors to the Union Exchequer. What else do you anticipate from us? "Why should I change my policy for you?" Dr P Thiaga Rajan enquired.

 

The controversy over freebie culture has recently taken centre stage. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked states that give out freebies last week to assess the financial vigour of the state government and make budgetary provisions accordingly. Meanwhile, several top politicians have supported the freebies, claiming they are for the people's benefit.

 

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, stated that free education and healthcare are not freebies and that if people have access to them, India can become the top country in the world. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also criticized the ruling BJP at the Centre over the freebies debate, calling it "insulting" to refer to welfare schemes as "freebies."