TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Delivers Scathing Critique of Union Budget in Parliament
Trinamool Congress MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a sweeping and emotionally charged attack on the BJP-led Union government during Tuesday's Lok Sabha discussion on the Union Budget. The parliamentarian from West Bengal accused the ruling administration of institutionalizing inequality, systematically weakening federal principles, and deepening what he described as the harsh reality of "Two Indias."
The Reality of a Divided Nation
Drawing repeatedly on themes popularized by comedian Vir Das, Banerjee asserted that the Budget and the government's broader political approach force citizens to confront a fundamentally divided nation. "I come from an India that proclaims 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," he told the House, "and I also come from an India where speaking Bengali makes you a Bangladeshi, where eating fish makes you a Mughal, and where saying 'Jay Bangla' is enough to brand you a 'ghuspaithiya' (infiltrator)." His remarks provoked sharp reactions from treasury benches throughout the session.
Allegations of a "Triple Tax Trap" and Punishment Politics
The TMC leader alleged that the current Budget rewards the powerful while subjecting ordinary citizens to what he termed a "triple tax trap" consisting of income tax, GST, and inflation. Using a powerful life-cycle analogy, Banerjee claimed Indians are now taxed from "a baby's first milk to a family's final rites," arguing that taxation under this government "follows life itself."
He detailed how even essential commodities and services like tea, education, healthcare, fuel, and pensions face taxation, while any relief for common citizens comes "with conditions, clauses and fine print that render it meaningless for most."
Banerjee further accused the Centre of practicing what he called "subscription-based federalism," claiming BJP-governed and allied states receive preferential treatment while opposition-ruled states, particularly West Bengal, face systematic deprivation of funds. He presented specific figures, stating Bengal contributed over Rs 6.5 lakh crore in taxes over seven years but has been denied rightful dues under crucial central schemes including MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and rural road projects.
"This is not cooperative federalism," Banerjee declared. "This is punishment politics aimed at states that dare to oppose the ruling party's agenda."
Political Warnings and Social Sector Criticisms
Referencing election results from 2016, 2021, and 2024, Banerjee noted the BJP suffered "three decisive defeats" in Bengal and warned that a fourth rejection was approaching. "You want to freeze our funds, we will persist. You want to deprive our youth, we will protect them. Bengal's spine was never bent by surrender," he asserted defiantly.
The TMC parliamentarian also criticized what he described as significant cuts and chronic underutilization in social sector spending. He alleged healthcare expenditure remains at approximately 0.26% of GDP, far below the National Health Policy target of 2.5%, accusing the government of prioritizing "flyovers over first aid, optics over oxygen."
Regarding agriculture, Banerjee said farmers received no assurance on Minimum Support Price (MSP), diesel subsidies, or fertilizer relief, while PM-Kisan assistance has remained stagnant at Rs 6,000 since 2018 despite steadily rising input costs.
Broader Concerns About Democratic Institutions
Expanding his critique beyond budgetary matters, Banerjee raised serious concerns about the state of democratic institutions. He alleged Parliament has been "silenced," investigative agencies are weaponized to intimidate political opposition, and public assets are being sold without proper accountability or transparency.
The MP also highlighted concerns over persistent delays in official data releases and what he characterized as the systematic dilution of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, undermining transparency mechanisms.
A Constitutional Conclusion
Concluding his impassioned speech, Banerjee invoked the Constitution's preamble, stressing that "We, the people of India" represents not merely a ceremonial phrase but a fundamental declaration of popular sovereignty. "Budgets can divide and politics can polarize," he stated, "but as long as people remember where power truly resides—with the citizens—no fear can last indefinitely."
The speech marked one of the most comprehensive opposition critiques of the Union Budget during the parliamentary session, blending specific policy objections with broader political commentary about federal relations, economic inequality, and democratic norms.
