Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her visit to Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, said that legislative forums are the appropriate places for political discussions and criticism. She emphasised that the Opposition has the right to raise issues and the ruling party should respond as part of the democratic process. Speaking to reporters after attending the centenary silver jubilee celebrations of SSKV Educational Institutions and the launch of the book Pennin Perunthakka Yaavula, Sitharaman defended political debates inside the Assembly. She said that criticism and counterarguments are an essential part of parliamentary democracy.

Where else can political criticism be made if not in the Assembly? The Opposition should speak, and the ruling party should reply. There is nothing wrong with that, she said. The Union Minister also addressed development-related issues in Tamil Nadu, stating that the state government should send proposals to the Centre for various projects, including the creation and expansion of government medical colleges.

Sitharaman highlighted the importance of effective financial management, saying that the availability of funds is not the only concern; the way those resources are used matters equally. She added that governments can directly provide financial support to citizens when adequate resources are available. Sitharaman arrived in Chennai from New Delhi as part of her two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. She was welcomed at Chennai International Airport by BJP leaders and party workers.

Her office shared details of the welcome on social media, stating that the minister received greetings from BJP Tamil Nadu leaders and supporters upon her arrival. During her visit, Sitharaman travelled to Kanchipuram to attend several programmes focused on education, development, and public engagement. She is also scheduled to visit Puducherry as part of her tour. On June 26, the Union Finance Minister is expected to inaugurate the 400-year-old Muzhiankulam at the Government Middle School in Puducherry. The visit is part of Sitharaman’s wider outreach programme involving discussions and events related to education, infrastructure, and development initiatives in the region.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.