"Where else can political criticism be made if not in Assembly?" says Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Kanchipuram, June 26
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her visit to Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, participated in the centenary silver jubilee celebrations of SSKV Educational Institutions and the book release of Pennin Perunthakka Yaavula. Speaking to the reporters, Nirmala Sitharaman noted that the floor of the house is the appropriate platform for criticism and emphasised that the 'Opposition should speak.'
On Thursday, after the event, she defended political debates in legislative forums, stating, "Where else can political criticism be made if not in the Assembly? The Opposition should speak, and the ruling party should respond. There is nothing wrong in that."
Sitharaman further stressed that the Tamil Nadu government should 'submit proposals' to the Centre for projects, including the development of a government medical college.
She said, "The Tamil Nadu government should submit proposals to the Centre for projects, including the establishment and development of government medical colleges."
Emphasising prudent financial management, Sitharaman noted that "borrowing funds is not the key issue; rather, how the money is utilised is what matters."
"If resources are available, governments can directly provide financial assistance to the people," the Union Finance Minister added.
On Wednesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Chennai on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Sitharaman reached Chennai from New Delhi on a commercial flight and was received by BJP functionaries at the Chennai International Airport.
Nirmala Sitharaman's Office posted on X, "Smt@nsitharamanreceived a warm welcome from@BJP4TamilNaduleaders and karyakartas upon her arrival at Chennai Airport."
Following her arrival on Thursday, the Union Minister left for Kanchipuram district, where she was scheduled to participate in various programmes. As part of her itinerary, Sitharaman is also expected to visit Puducherry during her two-day tour. Her engagements included events related to education, development, and public outreach in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Further, on June 26, the Union Minister will inaugurate the 400-year-old Muzhiankulam at Government Middle School in Puducherry at 10 am.
— ANI
Reader Comments
True, but the ruling party also needs to listen. Too often, criticism is dismissed as 'anti-national'. Balance is key. On medical colleges, the Centre should proactively help states, not just wait for proposals. India needs more doctors, especially in rural areas.
FM is spot on about borrowing vs utilisation. Many states take loans but spend on populist schemes instead of infrastructure. Tamil Nadu should use its funds wisely. But also, Centre should release GST dues promptly to help states invest in healthcare. 🤔
Funny how the same government that silences dissent outside the Assembly is now preaching about debate inside it. But yes, on paper, the Assembly is the right forum. Let's see if they practice what they preach when the opposition actually speaks. 😏
Good to see a Union Minister spending time in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Hope she understands local issues better now. Also, the Muzhiankulam restoration sounds like a great heritage project. Preserving water bodies is crucial for Tamil Nadu. 💧
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