Palaniswami labels TVK budget a collection of rebranded schemes

Palaniswami accused the ruling party of practicing "sticker politics" by repackaging existing initiatives rather than launching new welfare programs. He highlighted that 85 days into the term, key commitments—including a hike in monthly aid for women to Rs 2,500 and the provision of six free gas cylinders—remain stalled. The former Chief Minister expressed deep skepticism regarding the newly formed economic reforms committee, suggesting it is a facade to manage mounting liabilities rather than a genuine engine for growth.

Contrasting this approach with his own tenure, Palaniswami claimed the AIADMK maintained fiscal discipline even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He specifically pointed to the "Gold for Mangalsutra" scheme as an example of a legacy project the current government has usurped. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Marie Wilson defended the budget, which aims to propel the state toward a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031. Wilson attributed the current fiscal pressure to a twofold increase in liabilities over the last five years and promised that all electoral pledges would be honored through a phased, systematic rollout. He also highlighted a shift toward a more transparent tendering system to curb the influence of preferred political affiliates in government contracts.