Edappadi K Palaniswami criticises Tamil Nadu government over price rise, GST growth
The AIADMK leader alleged that rising costs of essential commodities and slowed GST growth will impact public welfare schemes.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday over rising prices and reported losses in Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation. Speaking to the media at Chennai Airport, Palaniswami alleged the state government is wasting time on unnecessary issues instead of addressing public concerns, according to ANI.
Palaniswami claimed that prices of essential commodities have risen sharply in the last six months since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) came to power under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. He stated that rice prices increased by Rs 20 to 25, sugar by Rs 25 per kg, and that pulses, oil, tamarind, and groceries rose by 40 per cent.
The AIADMK leader also noted that Aavin product prices have increased and said the government has taken no steps to control these costs, particularly during Diwali. Regarding GST, Palaniswami said that while other states showed growth, Tamil Nadu reported a loss which could severely affect government welfare schemes.
Tamil Nadu's gross GST collections fell by approximately 5 per cent to ₹10,188 crore in September 2026, although post-settlement GST revenue rose by 17 per cent to ₹7,320 crore during the same month.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo M K Stalin also criticised the TVK government, claiming the state's growth has stalled. Stalin stated that in October, neighbouring states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana recorded double-digit GST growth, while Tamil Nadu recorded just 3 per cent growth.