Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Union Budget as 'Anti-Poor'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the Union Budget as 'anti-poor' and 'politically biased,' accusing the central government of neglecting the state's needs. She criticized the Budget for focusing on NDA allies over public welfare and highlighted the state's deprivation, especially in MGNREGA funds and disaster relief.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'anti-poor' and 'politically biased.' She accused the central government of neglecting West Bengal's interests in favor of pleasing NDA allies.

Banerjee voiced disappointment, alleging that the Budget prioritizes a political agenda over the welfare of the masses. She pledged that the people of Bengal would protest if their demands continued to be ignored.

'Bengal has been completely deprived in the Union Budget, which doesn't look into the interest of the poor. The Budget is directionless. It is only to serve a political mission. I don't see any light,' Banerjee told reporters.

Without naming anyone, the Chief Minister criticized BJP's allies in the NDA government for allegedly prioritizing financial gains over ministerial positions.

Banerjee highlighted grievances such as the withholding of MGNREGA funds and lack of flood relief, stating Bengal's total dues from the Centre stand at Rs 1.71 lakh crore.

On the other hand, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul defended the Centre's Budget decisions, accusing the TMC government of misusing central funds and not providing proper accountability.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Budget, focusing on tax relief for the middle class, a significant outlay for job creation, and infrastructure spending to boost economic growth.