“TN’s GST growth lags behind neighbouring states”: Opposition targets TVK government
The Tamil Nadu government is facing criticism from the DMK and other opposition parties over the state’s alleged sluggish GST revenue growth, with leaders questioning its economic performance and investment strategy.
Former finance minister Thangam Thennarasu said Tamil Nadu recorded just 3% growth in GST collections in October, significantly lower than the figures reported by neighbouring states.
According to data cited by Thennarasu, Kerala registered 23% growth, Andhra Pradesh 24%, Karnataka 18% and Telangana 14%. He also pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s performance was well below the national average of 22.9%.
In a post on X, Thennarasu argued that declining revenue from the state’s own production was a worrying sign. He said the limited increase in taxes collected from goods entering Tamil Nadu was insufficient to offset the weakness, raising concerns about broader economic activity.
DMK president M K Stalin accused the TVK-led government of putting the state’s economy into reverse gear and called for urgent steps to attract investments and boost domestic manufacturing.
Stalin also alleged that a proposed South Korean investment worth Rs 1,614 crore had shifted to Andhra Pradesh because of the Tamil Nadu government’s negligence. He criticised the alleged neglect of Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency.
Referring to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s roadshow in Pudukkottai on Monday, Stalin claimed the chief minister was concentrating on the upcoming bypoll instead of addressing the state’s economic challenges.
Other opposition leaders have also questioned the government’s handling of revenue growth and investment attraction.