TMC Criticizes BJP's Fiscal Policies in Union Budget

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched an attack on the BJP-led NDA government, criticizing the Union Budget as a ploy to bribe coalition partners. The budget allocated substantial funds to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh while allegedly neglecting West Bengal. TMC leaders described the budget as fiscally and politically bankrupt.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government, condemning the Union Budget as a reflection of fiscal and political bankruptcy.

In a social media post, TMC dismissed the 'Union Budget 2024,' renaming it the 'Andhra-Bihar Budget.' TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee told reporters in New Delhi that Bengal had been consistently deprived under the BJP regime. Banerjee questioned the positive impact of electing 12 BJP MPs from Bengal, emphasizing that the region has been tortured and deprived.

Recalling Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's words 'Jo Hamare Sath, Hum Unke Saath,' Banerjee said the state had been left out of special allocations made to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. He argued that while no state should be deprived, Bengal had been unfairly neglected.

Banerjee's criticism extended online, where he called the budget a 'complete failure,' aimed at bribing coalition partners. TMC senior leader Kunal Ghosh echoed these sentiments, alleging the Budget was designed to maintain political alliances at the expense of addressing critical national issues like unemployment and inflation.

Conversely, BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya praised the budget as growth-oriented, with plans to develop infrastructure in eastern India, including Bengal. BJP leader Indranil Khan highlighted the waiver of basic customs duty on cancer medicines as a significant relief to patients.

Among the Budget's highlights, Bihar received over Rs 26,000 crore for highway development and Rs 11,500 crore for flood mitigation. Initiatives included new bridges, an airport, a medical college, and infrastructure for Nalanda University and tourist sites. Andhra Pradesh also benefited, with Rs 15,000 crore for its capital's development and commitments to future support, including women-centric schemes and the Polavaram irrigation project.