AAP MP Sanjay Singh Slams UP Budget as 'Planned Jugglery of Figures'
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government's budget, labeling it a 'planned jugglery of figures'. The criticism came on Thursday, with Singh accusing the state administration of employing deceptive tactics to portray inflated growth in budget allocations.
Allegations of Budget Manipulation
Singh asserted that the government is systematically reducing budget figures for the previous year and then using these revised, lower numbers to compare with allocations for the upcoming year. This method, he claims, creates an illusion of substantial growth where little exists. 'The actual comparison should be with the original allocated budget, not with the revised budget,' Singh emphasized, highlighting what he views as a fundamental flaw in the government's budgetary presentation.
Education Sector Example
To substantiate his allegations, Singh pointed to the education sector as a prime example. He noted that for the fiscal year 2025-26, the original budget allocation was Rs 1.03 lakh crore. However, this was later revised down to Rs 84,000 crore. For 2026-27, a budget of Rs 1.08 lakh crore was announced. By comparing the new allocation to the revised figure of Rs 84,000 crore, the government publicized a 28% hike. Singh argues that a fair comparison with the original Rs 1.03 lakh crore would show a much more modest increase.
Pattern Across Multiple Sectors
The AAP MP alleged that this pattern is not isolated but widespread across various departments:
- Health and Family Welfare: After a 12% cut from the original allocation in 2024-25, a minor increase was presented as a 24% growth.
- Transport, Rural Development, Social Welfare, and Agriculture: Budgets were reportedly reduced by 14% to 17%, followed by increases that were claimed as 30% to 59% growth.
Significant Underspending Revealed
Singh further criticized the government's spending efficiency, revealing alarming rates of underspending across key sectors in the 2024-25 fiscal year:
- Housing Sector: 65% of the allocated budget remained unspent.
- Water Supply and Sanitation: 33% of funds were not utilized.
- Irrigation and Flood Control: 32% underspending.
- Health: 25% of the budget went unspent.
- Urban Development: 24% underspending.
- Rural Development: 24% of allocated funds were not used.
Singh noted that the energy department was the sole exception, where the government actually spent more than the allocated budget.
Chief Minister's Review Uncovers More Issues
The AAP leader claimed that during a review conducted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, further instances of substantial underspending came to light:
- Public Works Department (PWD): Up to 40% underspending
- Child Development: 44% underspending
- Agriculture: 41% underspending
- Rural Development: 23% underspending
- Food and Logistics: 27% underspending
These revelations, according to Singh, paint a picture of systematic budgetary manipulation and poor fiscal management that ultimately harms development projects and public welfare initiatives across Uttar Pradesh.
