Suvendu Adhikari Criticizes West Bengal's Interim Budget as Misleading

Suvendu Adhikari, a senior BJP leader, criticized the West Bengal government's interim budget, labeling it misleading and election-oriented. He expressed concerns over unimplementable promises and lack of employment targets. Adhikari highlighted issues such as women's safety, inadequate worker measures, and a lack of a revenue growth strategy.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday criticized the West Bengal government's vote-on-account, describing it as a "false and aimless document" filled with election-focused promises that are legally unfeasible. He argued that the announcements were misleading, noting they would become unenforceable once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is enacted.

The West Bengal government introduced a Rs 4.06 lakh crore interim budget aimed at providing financial support to women, youths, and frontline workers ahead of imminent assembly polls. Adhikari pointed out that these promises were deceptive, as the vote-on-account is merely a four-month fiscal arrangement for routine expenses. He labeled the budget "anti-unemployed," criticizing its lack of employment targets.

Adhikari flagged a lack of initiatives for contractual and third-party workers, criticizing the rebranding of schemes without delivering on promises. Highlighting fiscal challenges, he questioned the absence of a revenue growth strategy and warned of potential economic stagnation, emphasizing that substantial issues remained unaddressed in the interim budget.

(With inputs from agencies.)