Surjewala Criticizes 2024-25 Union Budget as 'Jhunjhuna Budget'

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala has criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, calling it a 'jhunjhuna budget.' He highlighted the lack of support for farmers, the unorganized sector, and weaker sections. Surjewala alleged that the BJP-led government has ignored regions and states where it did not perform well in the elections.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala labeled the Union Budget 2024-25 as a 'jhunjhuna budget,' alleging it offers no relief for farmers and neglects weaker sections like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. He described the first budget of the NDA government's third term as disappointing.

'This is a Jhunjhuna Budget. There is nothing for farmers in this budget, whether it's about MSP guarantee, taxes on fertilizers and pesticides, or loan waivers. There is no way forward for agriculture,' Surjewala stated. He also criticized the lack of measures to create new jobs, arguing that current provisions for industrial training would not resolve the issue.

Surjewala asserted that the budget neglects the unorganized sector, which generates 70 percent of employment, along with labor-intensive sectors like construction, textiles, and leather goods. He accused the BJP-led government of punishing voters for the Lok Sabha election results where the BJP did not secure a full majority, dubbing the budget 'revenge, government-saving budget.'

He further criticized the lack of relief for the middle class and claimed regional neglect. According to Surjewala, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana, where the BJP underperformed, were omitted from the budget speech. Similarly, Telangana and Karnataka, with Congress-led governments, were treated as if they were 'not part of the country.' He singled out the allocations for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh as 'jhunjhunas,' asserting that the funds would be disbursed only after five years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. (ANI)