Punjab Finance Minister Calls Union Budget 'A Complete Disappointment'

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it disappointing for Punjab. He accused the Centre of discriminatory treatment and neglecting the state's various demands, including a package for crop diversification and incentives for MSMEs.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema slammed the Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a complete disappointment for the state. He accused the BJP-led Centre of ignoring Punjab's demands, including a package for crop diversification.

Cheema labelled the Union government's approach as step-motherly, especially towards border states like Punjab. He highlighted that the Budget did not allocate funds for critical sectors such as roads, health, and education, further exacerbating the state's financial challenges.

In his response, Cheema emphasized that the Centre's promises to double farmers' incomes fell flat, citing a 36 percent reduction in fertilizer subsidies. He criticized the Union Budget for being anti-Punjab and anti-farmers, alleging that the government's policies are consistently biased against the state.