‘Bribing allies in Bihar and Andhra, anti-federal’: TMC leader Sagarika Ghose on Union Budget 2024

Finance minister promised government's efforts on nine priorities for generating ample opportunities for all, in the pursuit of 'Viksit Bharat'.

Published on: Jul 23, 2024, 16:50:50 IST

By HT News Desk

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Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose on Tuesday slammed the Union Budget 2024-25 and labelled it a "failed Budget. She claimed that the Budget was aimed at bribing National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's alliance partners- Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Ghose further added that the Budget was anti-Bengal.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman showcases a red pouch carrying the Budget documents, outside the Finance Ministry in North Block (Hindustan Times)

"This is a failed Budget. It is a zero-warranty Budget. It is to bribe two of the alliance partners - Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. It is not a Union Budget. This Budget is bribing coalition partners before this government implodes. We, the TMC, have protested against this anti-Bengal Budget. The TMC walked out of the Rajya Sabha. This is anti-federal. You cannot sacrifice the federal spirit at the alter of politics, it is ethically repugnant, constitutionally immoral and economically ruinous," Ghose said as quoted by news agency PTI.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the budget, saying,“This Budget strengthens every section of the society. It takes the country's poor, village and farmer on the path of prosperity,” PM Modi said in a video message.

Union home minister Amit Shah said that the Budget would usher in a new era of employment and opportunities and fuel the nation's pace on the path of emerging as a developed nation. He added that it would empower the women and the youth and provide many opportunities for farmers.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised government's efforts on nine priorities for generating ample opportunities for all, in the pursuit of 'Viksit Bharat'. The nine priorities are -- productivity and resilience in agriculture; employment and skilling; inclusive human resource development and social justice; manufacturing and services; urban development; energy security; infrastructure; innovation, research and development; and next generation reforms.

Sitharaman announced government support for various tourist destinations and religious centres in Bihar and Odisha. For the micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs), she announced a credit guarantee scheme to facilitate term loans for purchasing machinery and equipment without collateral or third-party guarantee.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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