Opposition Criticizes Union Budget 2024-25 as 'Discriminatory' and 'Anti-People'

The Opposition criticized the Union Budget 2024-25 as biased against non-NDA states and accused the Prime Minister of running a shaky coalition government. The ruling BJP defended the budget, calling it a step toward a 'Viksit Bharat.' Opposition leaders claimed the budget favored certain states and lacked relief for the common people.

The Opposition on Wednesday claimed the Union Budget was 'discriminatory' against non-NDA-ruled states and accused the prime minister of running a 'shaky and vulnerable' coalition government. The ruling BJP rejected the charge and described the budgetary provisions as a tool to achieve the dream of a 'Vikisit Bharat'.

During the general discussion on the budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, various opposition members accused the government of doling out sops to key allies JD-U and TDP, which rule Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively, to ensure that the government faces no hurdles from its coalition partners. BJP MP B Mahtab said that the policy priorities of the budget suggest there is no change in its approach, aiming to achieve a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. He also said the budget would empower the 'neo-middle class' and asserted that the 2024 election results have not 'ruffled' the government.

Congress MP Kumari Selja dubbed the budget a collection of 'jumlas' (rhetorical promises) and criticised its lack of focus beyond BJP-ruled states. She called it a 'kursi bachao budget' and questioned how target groups could be identified without a caste census. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee also criticized the budget as 'anti-people' and aimed at 'appeasing' coalition partners. In contrast, TDP MP Sribharat Mathukumili hailed the budget as 'visionary.' The Lok Sabha proceeding was adjourned following a contentious debate.