Modi Govt Prioritising Tamil Nadu's Development Despite No BJP MP From The State: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (20 September) asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised Tamil Nadu’s development despite the BJP not having a single MP from the state, reported The Times Of India.

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Tamil Nadu matchbox manufacturers in Kovilpatti, Tuticorin, Sitharaman highlighted the Centre’s support for local industries.

“Tuticorin does not have a BJP MP, but many central govt projects have been brought here. GST rates were slashed for matchboxes from 18 per cent to 12 per cent and later to 5 per cent now,” she said.

Representatives of matchbox manufacturers welcomed the reforms.

She added that the new GST measures made 375 items cheaper, with tax rates cut by up to 10 per cent.

“The public should make use of GST Bachat Utsav to help ensure savings. For the 2026 state assembly elections, I hope the people of Tuticorin can pick someone like AIADMK MLA Kadambur C Raju, who knows the problems of the people well and helps them,” she said.

During her two-day visit to Madurai and south Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman underlined the role of women in supporting families and small businesses, particularly in matchbox production.

She noted that industries like fireworks and matchboxes created employment in drought-hit areas where agriculture struggled.

“There should be no hurdles for the development of these industries,” she stressed.

The minister urged industry representatives to prepare a vision plan to expand their economic contribution and enable policy support for growth.

BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, general secretary Rama Sreenivasan, and AIADMK MLA Kadambur C Raju attended the event.

Earlier, Sitharaman offered prayers at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai.

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