TMC dubs budget as 'election gimmick'

The Trinamool Congress on Thursday dubbed the interim budget as an "election gimmick" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and urged the BJP to "stop political theatrics and prioritise human welfare". Senior TMC leader and minister in the West Bengal government, Chandrima Bhattacharya, expressed the party's discontent, highlighting "alarming statistics" on farmer suicides.

"Data reveals an average 30 farmers commit suicide everyday in India! FM @nsitharaman, your farce claims in #Budget2024 for 'Annadata Welfare' is a mockery to 53,478 farmer suicides in last 5 years. PM @narendramodi, STOP the charade & prioritise lives over politics!" Bhattacharya said in a post on X.

Citing Sitharaman's reference to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya while discussing the Suryodaya scheme, Bhattacharya accused the Union government of "attempting to polarise people".


"We have always said there can be temples, mosques and churches but when you mention temples during the budget, it is clear you are using this as a political agenda," she said at a press conference at TMC Bhavan.

Sitharaman on Thursday said the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana will enable one crore families to get up to 300 units of free electricity every month and help them save up to Rs 18,000 annually.

The Union finance minister said this scheme follows the resolve of the prime minister on the historic day of consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Bhattacharya said the budget is "filled with lies and deception".

"This budget and its announcements are nothing but an election gimmick," she said.

Criticising the "lack of benefits" for common citizens, she demanded answers from the central government regarding the withholding of financial dues to the state.

Bhattacharya also criticised the budget's "failure to address concerns of youths" and its handling of inflation.

"The finance minister claimed the inflation rate is moderate, but a closer look at food inflation rates reveals a different story," she said, citing a significant increase from 3.35 per cent in June 2023 to 8.70 per cent in December 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the interim budget offers the "guarantee" of strengthening the foundation of a developed India and carries the "confidence of continuity".

In a televised address following the budget, the prime minister said the budget will empower the four pillars of developed India -- the young, poor, women and farmers.