TMC Leader Critiques BJP's 'Kursi Bachao' Budget Over Special Allocations

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee criticized the BJP for allocating special budget packages to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, neglecting West Bengal. The Union Budget prioritizes infrastructure and financial aid for BJP allies, while Bengal remains overlooked, says Banerjee.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for announcing special packages in the Union Budget for states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which are governed by key allies of the ruling coalition. Speaking to ANI, Banerjee labeled it a 'kursi bachao' (saving seat) budget, claiming it was designed to support those parties that would help secure the BJP's seats. 'This budget is to keep their NDA partners Nitish Kumar and in Andhra Pradesh,' Banerjee remarked following the presentation of the first Budget of the third term of Narendra Modi's government.

Banerjee further attacked the BJP for allegedly neglecting West Bengal in the Budget allocation. 'This Budget is not for India. They have not given anything to Bengal. They can't tolerate Bengalis. The BJP will be wiped out of Bengal,' said the TMC leader. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced significant funding for states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, including infrastructure boosts and special financial aid.

In her Budget speech in Parliament, Sitharaman highlighted various projects for Bihar, such as the development of an industrial node at Gaya along the Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridor and several road connectivity initiatives. Investments worth Rs 26,000 crore were earmarked for these projects, while Rs 21,400 crore was allocated for a new 2400 megawatt power plant at Pirpainti. Additional allocations were announced for airports, medical colleges, and sports infrastructure in Bihar, along with Rs 11,500 crore for flood control measures.

In Andhra Pradesh, Sitharaman announced special financial support in recognition of the state's need for capital, in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. 'Our government has made efforts to fulfill the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Recognizing the state's need for capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral agencies,' she said. Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged in the current fiscal year with additional funds in the future.

The Budget session of Parliament, which started on July 22, is scheduled to conclude on August 12.