During the presentation of the Tamil Nadu Budget for 2025-26 on March 14, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) staged a walkout from the state assembly. Their protest centered on two primary issues: the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s proposal to replace the national rupee symbol with a regional variant, and allegations of a significant corruption scandal involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC).
Rupee Symbol Controversy
The DMK government’s initiative to introduce a Tamil-specific rupee symbol has been met with criticism from opposition parties. BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, who attended the session wearing a black saree as a mark of protest, expressed concerns over this move. She emphasized that while promoting the Tamil language and culture is commendable, altering a national symbol like the rupee could be perceived as disrespectful to the Constitution. Srinivasan also highlighted that former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had previously celebrated D. Udaya Kumar, the designer of the original rupee symbol, questioning the current government’s stance on the matter.
TASMAC Corruption Allegations
The AIADMK raised serious allegations regarding a massive scam within TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailing monopoly. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the DMK government of being involved in a ₹40,000 crore corruption scandal related to TASMAC operations. He demanded the resignation of the DMK government, citing moral responsibility over the alleged scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently conducted searches in various districts, uncovering incriminating documents related to TASMAC malpractices, intensifying the allegations.
Opposition’s Standpoint
BJP state president K. Annamalai criticized the budget, labeling it an “eyewash.” He pointed out that despite the state’s significant revenue from TASMAC, Tamil Nadu’s debt has surpassed ₹9 lakh crore, indicating fiscal mismanagement. Annamalai also dismissed concerns over the delimitation issue, stating that the DMK was unnecessarily making it controversial.
Government’s Response
In response to the walkouts and allegations, Tamil Nadu Speaker M. Appavu stated that discussions on the ED’s allegations regarding the TASMAC scam would be permitted on the following Monday, indicating the government’s willingness to address the opposition’s concerns in the assembly.
The walkouts and ensuing debates underscore the heightened political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties challenging the DMK government’s policies and alleged involvement in corruption.
