Mamata Banerjee Critiques Union Budget 2024-25: Labels It Anti-People, Politically Biased

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, describing it as politically motivated and lacking vision. Banerjee accused the budget of favoring one party and neglecting common people, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized its focus on economic growth and job creation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday vehemently criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, labelling it as politically motivated, directionless, and anti-people. "Directionless, anti-people, no vision, only political mission is there. I don't see any light, it is dark," she remarked.

Banerjee further alleged that the budget was anti-poor and designed to favor one political party at the expense of the common people. "This Budget is anti-people, anti-poor and not for the common people. This is a Budget to appease one party. This is a Budget full of political biases," she said.

Additionally, Banerjee criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not fulfilling electoral promises, especially highlighting the plight of residents in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. "They make tall claims and promises during elections. But after they get votes, they forget Darjeeling, Kalimpong... People in the hills of Darjeeling should remember this," she noted.

On the other hand, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget, emphasizing priorities like productivity in agriculture, employment, skilling, and infrastructure. The budget included reforms such as increased standard deductions, revised tax rates, and substantial allocations for job creation and skills development.

(With inputs from agencies.)