TMC MP Saket Gokhale Criticizes Union Budget, Claims Favors to Coalition Allies

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale criticized the Union Budget for favoring two states to support Modi-led coalition allies while ignoring 26 other states, including West Bengal. Gokhale labeled this as 'taxation without representation' and condemned the government's failure to address essential issues like rising food prices and infrastructure problems.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale launched a scathing attack on the Union Budget, accusing the Modi-led coalition government of extending favors to two states to secure its political survival.

During a budget discussion in Rajya Sabha, Gokhale alleged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ignored 26 states, including West Bengal, branding this as 'taxation without representation.'

He highlighted the neglect of crucial issues such as rising food prices and collapsing infrastructure, pointing out that minority groups received only 0.7% of the budget allocation. Gokhale also mentioned the silencing of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a meeting, calling it a sign of growing political frustration from the BJP.