Opposition alleges Tamil Nadu govt merely renamed DMK-era schemes

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday alleged that the only change brought by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led (TVK) government in its first Budget was the renaming of schemes introduced by the previous DMK government.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai after the presentation of the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Stalin said the Chief Minister's pre-Budget meeting with officials had been convened solely to rename initiatives launched by the erstwhile Dravidian Model government.

Referring to the Thaimaman Thangamothiram Scheme announced in the Budget, he said it fell short of the Chief Minister's election promise, which he claimed was to extend benefits to all children in Tamil Nadu. “Now the Budget says the scheme will be implemented only for children born in government hospitals. There is no announcement to fulfil the election promises,” he added.

Mr. Stalin further said several schemes, including the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme, the Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Scheme, and the Olympic Centres of Excellence, had already been introduced during the DMK regime.

He listed instances of what he called rechristening: “Anbu Cholai, a scheme for the welfare of senior citizens, has been renamed Integrated Senior Citizen Homes. Similarly, the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil laptop distribution scheme has been renamed Vetri Laptop Scheme, Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Thittam has become Vetri Veedu Thittam, Model Schools have been renamed Thagaisal Pallikal, and Mudhalvar Padaipagangal has been renamed Digital Noolagam.”

Turning to the Cauvery water issue, Mr. Stalin cited The Hindu's report that Tamil Nadu's receipt of river water in July had fallen to a 50-year low. He alleged that the government lacked the courage to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu dam project.

The Opposition leader's remarks came soon after the Budget was tabled, setting the stage for a charged debate in the Assembly.