TMC Slams BJP over Union Budget, Citing Neglect of Bengal

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticized the BJP-led NDA government, calling the Union Budget 2024 reflective of fiscal and political bankruptcy. TMC claims it unfairly benefits Bihar and Andhra Pradesh while neglecting West Bengal. BJP counters that the budget will spur development in the eastern region, including Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led NDA government on Tuesday, claiming the Union Budget 2024 showcases the regime's fiscal and political bankruptcy. The TMC rebranded the budget as the 'Andhra-Bihar Budget' in a scathing social media post.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee criticized the budget at a press briefing in New Delhi, stating Bengal has been systematically deprived. 'Has there been any positive outcome from the 12 BJP MPs elected from Bengal?' Banerjee questioned outside Parliament.

Banerjee further echoed Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's words, 'Jo Hamare Sath, Hum Unke Saath,' arguing the government has favored Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to secure political alliances. 'Why should Bengal be deprived?' he asked.

In a subsequent post on X, Banerjee labeled the budget as 'a complete failure with ZERO WARRANTY,' accusing the BJP of bribing coalition partners rather than addressing urgent issues like unemployment and inflation.

Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh also criticized the budget, asserting it neglected Bengal and manipulated statistics. He emphasized that successful social welfare schemes from the Mamata Banerjee administration have been copied by the Modi government without acknowledgment.

In contrast, BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya praised the budget, asserting it would enhance development across the eastern region, including Bengal. Similarly, BJP's youth wing leader Indranil Khan highlighted the budget's waiving of basic customs duty on cancer medicines as a major relief for patients.

The Union Budget allocated substantial funds for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on infrastructure and social welfare, while Bengal remains in the spotlight of a heated political debate.