CHENNAI – In a key decision shaping the legislative calendar ahead of crucial assembly elections, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has extended its interim budget session until February 20. The announcement came from a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Speaker M. Appavu.
The session gained momentum earlier this week when Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu tabled the interim budget for the financial year 2026-27. Presented against the backdrop of impending polls, this budget carries significant political weight, outlining the state’s fiscal roadmap in an election year.
Hot on the heels of the general budget, Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam unveiled the interim agriculture budget for the same period. His address spotlighted the DMK government’s priorities: bolstering agricultural infrastructure, expanding irrigation support, promoting mechanization, and scaling up farmer welfare initiatives.
This separate agriculture budget, a hallmark of recent DMK administrations, underscores a commitment to rural development amid economic challenges. Following these presentations, the Speaker convened the BAC to finalize the agenda, settling on a session end date of February 20.
The schedule allocates two full days—February 18 and 19—for a general discussion on the interim budgets. Expect heated exchanges as ruling party members defend allocations for welfare schemes and regional projects, while opposition voices scrutinize fiscal management and pre-election promises.
Analysts anticipate the debates to reflect broader political tensions, focusing less on bold new policies and more on sustaining existing programs while ensuring financial stability. As the session wraps up on February 20, all eyes will be on how the government articulates its strategy to balance electoral pledges with prudent budgeting in this high-stakes period.