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Key Points

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin demanded a 50% share of central taxes for states at the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi. He also pushed for river clean-up projects similar to Clean Ganga for Tamil Nadu's major rivers. Ahead of the meeting, Stalin met Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, calling them family. The AIADMK criticized his demands, but Stalin vowed to keep fighting for Tamil Nadu's financial rights.

Key Points: MK Stalin Demands 50% State Share in Central Taxes at NITI Aayog

  • Stalin seeks 50% tax devolution vs current 33%
  • Urges Clean Ganga-style projects for Tamil Nadu rivers
  • Meets Sonia and Rahul Gandhi ahead of NITI Aayog meet
  • Questions AIADMK's opposition to financial demands
2 min read

MK Stalin demands 50 per cent share for states in central taxes

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin pushes for higher tax devolution and river clean-up projects while meeting PM Modi and Congress leaders.

"At the NITI Aayog meeting, I demanded a rightful 50% share for States in central taxes. – MK Stalin"

New Delhi, May 24

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday pressed for a 50 per cent share for states in central tax revenue while attending the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital.

Raising the issue of devolution, Stalin stated that states were currently receiving only 33.16 per cent of central taxes, well below the previously promised 41 per cent.

"At the NITI Aayog meeting, I demanded a rightful 50 per cent share for States in central taxes. We currently receive only 33.16 per cent against the promised 41," Stalin posted on X.

Referring to the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0), which aims to provide universal coverage of water supply through functional taps to all households, Stalin expressed the need for a dedicated urban transformation mission since Tamil Nadu remains the most urbanised state in India.

During the meeting, he also urged the creation of a river clean-up project for the Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabaran.

"I also urged a Clean Ganga-style project for Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani, with names in English for national coherence and regional pride," the Tamil Nadu CM added.

This was the tenth meeting of the governing council of NITI Aayog, the apex public policy think thank of the government of India, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stalin had said that he would demand "fair financial rights" for Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Minister also asked why All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was pained by this, adding that he will keep on fighting to get a fair financial share from the Centre for the state.

Ahead of the meeting, Stalin met with Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi in the national capital on Friday.

In a post on X, he shared, "There's a special warmth in every meeting with Madam Sonia Gandhi and dear brother Rahul Gandhi at their Delhi residence. It never feels like a visit; it truly feels like being with family."

Chief Ministers and state heads from across India arrived at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital to attend the meeting on the theme of 'Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Stalin makes valid points about state shares. But 50% seems too ambitious - how will Centre fund defense and infrastructure projects? Maybe 40% is more practical. States should also show how they utilize current funds properly first. 👍
P
Priya M.
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I fully support CM Stalin's demands! Our state contributes so much to national GDP but gets back peanuts. The river cleanup projects are much needed - Cauvery is our lifeline. Hope Modi ji listens this time 🤞
A
Amit S.
Why only Tamil Nadu? All states need more funds! UP, Bihar, MP need even more help for development. Centre should make fair formula based on population + development index. This regional politics won't help anyone.
S
Sunita R.
Good to see state leaders raising financial issues. But meeting Sonia-Rahul before NITI Aayog meeting? Looks like political drama 😏 Focus should be on development, not photo ops. Still, river cleanup demand is genuine - our rivers are dying!
V
Vikram J.
The 33% to 50% jump seems unrealistic overnight. Maybe a phased increase over 5 years? Also, states must improve tax collection first - many don't utilize GST properly. TN is better than most though in financial management.
K
Kavita P.
Clean rivers should be national priority! Ganga project shows what's possible. If Cauvery gets similar treatment, it would transform lives of millions. Water is basic right, not political issue. Hope all CMs unite for this cause 💧

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