Jharkhand Congress Criticizes Union Budget, Cites Neglect of State

The Jharkhand unit of the Congress has criticized the Union budget for ignoring the state and its people. Alleging political bias, the Jharkhand Congress claims the BJP-led central government is focusing on states that support them. The ruling JMM also expressed disappointment, accusing the Centre of ignoring tribal interests. Meanwhile, BJP leaders praised the budget's inclusive approach.

The Jharkhand unit of the Congress on Tuesday criticized the Union budget, alleging it has completely ignored the state and its people. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal in Parliament.

"The Union budget has nothing for Jharkhand. Under political pressure, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have been given many things, but the tribal-dominated state has been completely ignored," said Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur.

Thakur alleged that Jharkhand suffers from the Centre's apathy because it is ruled by a non-BJP government. He claimed the Centre wants to create pressure on the state government and evoke anger among the masses to serve their political agenda.

Thakur also warned that the BJP would face consequences in the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand. Echoing this sentiment, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) termed the budget as disappointing.

"Jharkhand, which contributes mines and minerals to the nation, did not find space in the budget. Only two states—Andhra Pradesh and Bihar—benefited, while the rest 27 states were ignored," said JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya further criticized the budget for ignoring recruitment in 30 lakh government vacant posts and not mentioning minimum support price (MSP) for farmers.

Conversely, the state BJP claimed that the Union budget has considered all sections of society, particularly low-income groups and middle-class families.

"This is a development-oriented budget that would contribute significantly to achieving the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047," said senior BJP leader Amar Bauri.

Bauri highlighted several initiatives in the budget, including the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan and the 'Purvodaya' plan, which he said would benefit Jharkhand and its tribal population.

Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi concurred, indicating that the budget aims to realize an inclusive and developed India. Marandi emphasized that the Prime Minister has guaranteed progress for the tribal society.

(With inputs from agencies.)