TMC Criticizes 'Andhra-Bihar Budget' for Favoritism and Financial Mismanagement

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) heavily criticized the BJP-led NDA government, labeling the Union Budget 2024 as the 'Andhra-Bihar Budget.' TMC leaders accused the Modi government of neglecting West Bengal and prioritizing Andhra Pradesh and Bihar for political gains. Substantial funds were allocated to these states, prompting allegations of fiscal irresponsibility and political manipulation.

The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, claiming that the Union Budget reflected the fiscal and political bankruptcy of the regime.

In a social media post, the party dismissed the term 'Union Budget 2024,' renaming it as the 'Andhra-Bihar Budget.'

Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated, 'This budget should not be labeled as a union budget. It is a budget to keep Andhra Pradesh and Bihar happy. To save one's chair and keep some others in good humour.' He accused the Modi government of neglecting West Bengal and merely replicating successful social welfare schemes pioneered by the Mamata Banerjee administration. Ghosh emphasized that the Budget failed to address the nation's core issues, using manipulated statistics and rhetoric instead.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee told reporters in Delhi that 'the Modi government's continued deprivation of Bengal will face a strong response from the people.' He emphasized that while TMC does not oppose Budget allocations for states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, he criticized the budget for reflecting a vindictive attitude, echoing recent remarks made by Suvendu Adhikari regarding those who did not vote for BJP.

Banerjee posted on X, stating, 'This BUDGET is a complete failure with ZERO WARRANTY, presented by a FAILED FINANCE MINISTER OF A FAILED GOVERNMENT. Instead of tackling urgent issues like unemployment, rising prices, and growing inflation, the BJP has crafted a budget to bribe its coalition partners and buy time before the government IMPLODES!'

The Union Budget allocated substantial funds for Bihar, including over Rs 26,000 crore for highway development and Rs 11,500 crore for flood mitigation efforts. Additional initiatives in Bihar included new bridges over the Ganga, a new airport, a medical college, and advancements for Nalanda University and tourist attractions like the Nalanda-Rajgir corridor. Gaya was designated as the headquarters for the Kolkata-Amritsar corridor, alongside plans for three new expressways and enhanced sports infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh received significant financial aid, including Rs 15,000 crore for the state capital's development, with ongoing commitments for future support. The Budget also earmarked over Rs 3 lakh-crore for women-centric schemes, pledged to complete the Polavaram irrigation project, and announced a grant for backward regions in three districts of the state.