Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday hit out at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the Union Budget 2026, accusing the Centre of sidelining key sectors and discriminating against Tamil Nadu.

“Nirmala Sitharaman has neglected education, minority affairs, and research and social spending. It’s very clear that when you compare inflation numbers, there is a stagnation in spending… We were very happy that she speaks Tamil and wears Kanjeevaram sari but she has again neglected Tamil Nadu in the budget… This rare mineral allocation is particularly for the close friends of PM Modi… It will lead to the exploitation of forests and natural resources. Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala are going to be exploited by those friends of PM Modi,” he said.