Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said political criticism is a natural part of legislative debate and should be aired in the Assembly. Speaking to reporters in Kanchipuram, she said both the ruling side and the opposition have a right to speak and respond.
Responding to a question on the Chief Minister’s criticism of DMK leader M.K. Stalin in the Assembly, Sitharaman said there was nothing wrong in such exchanges. “If not in the Assembly, where else can political criticism be made?” she asked, adding that the opposition should reply and the government should also present its views.
Sitharaman also spoke about public borrowing, arguing that loans should be used to create durable assets that benefit people over decades. She said assets such as schools, hospitals and technology institutions can last 50 to 60 years and help generate jobs, education opportunities, business growth and better transport and healthcare facilities in surrounding areas.
On Centre–State coordination, she said it was welcome if Tamil Nadu stated it would work in cooperation with the Union government. She added that the Prime Minister had never asked for any state or district to be treated with less priority, and said funds due to Tamil Nadu had been provided even under previous administrations, citing major projects in Thoothukudi.
She further said the Union government had promised, three budgets ago, to support setting up hospitals with medical colleges in every district, and that medical colleges could be built in any district based on the state’s decision. She said the Tamil Nadu government should take the necessary steps for this.
