Opposition Blasts Budget for Neglecting Farmers and Key States; BJP Touts It as Visionary Blueprint
The discussion on the Union Budget in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday turned contentious as Opposition members launched a sharp critique, accusing the government of overlooking critical issues like farmer welfare, unemployment, and regional disparities. In contrast, BJP representatives staunchly defended the Budget, portraying it as a forward-looking roadmap designed to steer India through global challenges and toward sustained progress.
Opposition Highlights Absence of Support for Agriculture and Fisheries
IUML member Haris Beeran from Kerala raised pointed questions about the Budget's focus, emphasizing a perceived imbalance in allocations. "The Budget has substantial schemes for industrialists, but nothing for farmers," he asserted. Beeran elaborated on the contributions of farmers and fishermen to the economy, noting their role in exports, and lamented the lack of measures to help them compete internationally. "They are being left to fend for themselves," he declared, calling for more targeted support.
He also expressed disappointment over the absence of specific projects for Kerala, an election-bound state, mentioning only a rare earth project announcement that requires further clarity. This sentiment of regional neglect was echoed by DMK's R Girirajan, who accused the Union government of giving "step-motherly treatment" to Tamil Nadu. "There has been no special scheme or financial allocation so far," Girirajan stated, highlighting ongoing grievances.
Broader Criticisms on Unemployment and Policy Orientation
The Opposition's critique extended beyond regional issues to encompass broader economic concerns. TMC member Saket Gokhale delivered a scathing assessment, characterizing the BJP's approach as disconnected from the present. "The problem with the BJP is that they have one leg in 1947 and the other leg in 2047; nothing in the present," Gokhale remarked. He argued that the Budget is "personality oriented, not policy oriented" and lacks substantive measures for the youth of the country.
Congress's Rajeev Shukla added to the chorus by questioning the benefits of recent trade deals, particularly with the US, suggesting they might be tilted in America's favor. He also flagged insufficient allocations for health and the persistent issue of unemployment, stating, "Crores of people are unemployed...what are we doing for them? There are no jobs." JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda, an NDA ally, urged a shift in policy focus, emphasizing that growth must be coupled with job creation. "Employment must be the centre for policy thinking," he said, advocating for stronger attention to urban governance, water security, and regional balance.
BJP's Defense: Strategic Vision and National Progress
Amid the criticism, BJP members rallied to defend the Budget, framing it as a strategic document for India's future. Sujeet Kumar highlighted the increase in the defence budget as a sign of the government's commitment to national security. He also praised announcements related to education infrastructure, such as university townships and girls' hostels, as steps toward holistic development.
Kavita Patidar of the BJP offered a robust endorsement, noting India's resilience in a turbulent global landscape. "India is standing strong in the midst of global chaos...the roadmap for the future is in the Budget," she asserted. Patidar pointed to recent trade deals as evidence of the country's growing respect and strength on the international stage, underscoring the Budget's role in facilitating this progress.
The debate underscored a deep divide in parliamentary perspectives, with the Opposition demanding immediate, tangible benefits for marginalized groups and regions, while the BJP emphasized long-term strategic planning and national advancement.
