Chennai, Feb. 19 -- A sharp exchange of words took place in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly during the debate on the Interim Budget on Thursday, with leaders of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs over debt, law and order, and electoral promises.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran described the Interim Budget as a "mirage," alleging that it lacked any plans for the future. "There is nothing about future plans in this Interim Budget. Perhaps you did not mention them because you think you will not return to power," he said.

Responding to the criticism, Tamil Nadu Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister EV Velu stated that an Interim Budget was meant to...