Chennai, 01 August (H.S): Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth has come under criticism from Opposition leaders and activists after he offered prayers at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday with a copy of the draft Agriculture Budget.

The Minister’s visit comes just days ahead of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly’s Budget session, which is scheduled to begin on August 5. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson will present the State Budget for 2026-27 on the opening day, while Vinoth will table the Agriculture Budget on August 6.

The upcoming Budget assumes significance as it will be the first full Budget of the C. Joseph Vijay-led government since it assumed office. Expectations are high over possible announcements relating to infrastructure development and welfare programmes promised by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during the Assembly election campaign.

Ahead of presenting the Agriculture Budget, Vinoth visited the Tirupati temple on Saturday morning and offered prayers, placing a copy of the draft document before the deity. The gesture, however, triggered criticism over the use of an official government document during a religious visit.

CPI(M) MP Su. Venkatesan questioned the propriety of the Minister’s action, arguing that Budget documents were constitutional documents dealing with the expenditure of taxpayers’ money and should not be used to demonstrate personal religious beliefs. He said such an act was contrary to constitutional principles.

Environmental activist G. Sundarrajan of Poovulagin Nanbargal also criticised the Minister, questioning his priorities at a time when farmers were facing difficulties.

In a social media post, Sundarrajan asked how many times Vinoth had toured the Cauvery Delta districts during the past three months to understand the problems faced by farmers. He also questioned the necessity of taking the Agriculture Budget to Tirupati when the farming community was in distress.

The Agriculture Budget is expected to outline the government’s priorities for farmers, irrigation, crop support and the rural economy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman