NEW DELHI, Feb 1: On Saturday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government for seeking praise for the Union Budget while the nation grapples with inflation and unemployment issues. He claimed that the Budget serves as an attempt to “deceive” the populace.
Kharge explained that the Budget aligns with the Hindi saying ‘Nau sau choohe khake billi hajj ko chali,’ which suggests an insincerity in one’s intentions following numerous wrongdoings.
In a post on X in Hindi, he noted that over the past decade, the Narendra Modi administration has amassed Rs 54.18 lakh crore from the middle class in income tax, while now offering exemptions to those earning up to Rs 12 lakh.
He highlighted the finance minister’s statement about an annual saving of Rs 80,000, breaking it down to just Rs 6,666 a month.
“While the country faces widespread inflation and unemployment issues, the Modi government is focused on collecting hollow accolades,” Kharge stated.
He further remarked that in this ‘announcement-driven’ budget, the Make in India initiative has been rebranded as the National Manufacturing Mission to obscure its shortcomings.
“All other proclamations follow suit. There’s nothing of substance for the youth. Modi ji had pledged to make significant strides for women’s empowerment in this budget, yet that promise has not been fulfilled,” he emphasized.
Kharge criticized the lack of a clear strategy to double farmers’ income and the absence of GST concessions on agricultural inputs.
“There’s no framework for health and education or scholarships for Dalit, tribal, backward class, poor, and minority students. The government’s failures are glossed over with superficial comments on exports and tariffs,” he pointed out.
He lamented that no initiatives have been introduced to boost the income of the impoverished, nor have there been effective measures to counter the ongoing decline in consumption.
“Despite soaring inflation, the MGNREGA budget remains unchanged. There’s been no action taken to enhance workers’ earnings, and there’s no discussion surrounding reforms in GST rates. The budget also failed to address unemployment or job creation,” he lamented.
He regarded schemes like Startup India, Standup India, and Skill India as mere announcements without real impact.
“In summary, Budget 2025 represents an effort by the Modi Government to mislead the public,” the Congress chief concluded. (Agencies)
