Budget is deeply flawed and anti-people, asserts TMC leader
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a scathing critique, Trinamool Congress leader and prominent opposition face, Mahua Moitra, condemned the Union budget, calling it deeply flawed and anti-people. She accused the government of prioritising power over the welfare of citizens, labelling the current tax regime as “blood money” that disproportionately burdens the middle and lower classes.
Moitra’s sharpest criticism was directed at the government’s tax policies, which she claimed were designed to favour the wealthy while placing an undue burden on ordinary citizens. Speaking in the Lok Sabha last week, the firebrand MP highlighted the regressive nature of indirect taxes like GST. “The current tax system is nothing short of ‘blood money.’ It’s the middle and lower classes who are bearing the brunt of it,” she said.
She argued that the budget, rather than promoting equity, “disproportionately favours the wealthy, with indirect taxes affecting everyone equally, whether rich or poor.” Moitra emphasised that this approach widens the gap between the rich and the poor, as “the poor and middle class are paying the same rates as the richest individuals.”
Moitra also expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to marginally reduce the defence budget, describing it as a “dangerous mistake” given the ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan. “This budget cuts the defence allocation to its lowest percentage of GDP since 1960, at a time when our national security is under serious threat,” she warned.
She highlighted the potential risks of underfunding the military. “By not allocating sufficient funds to modernise our military capabilities, the government is jeopardising national security. This is not just short-sighted; it’s reckless,” she said.
Moitra didn’t stop at defence; she also condemned the government’s handling of social sector allocations, which she said have significantly decreased in real terms when adjusted for inflation. “The figures might seem high on paper, but when you adjust for inflation, the support for the elderly, the disadvantaged, and millions of others who rely on government assistance has actually diminished,” she noted.
She accused the government of failing to uphold its commitment to social welfare. “This budget is a clear indicator that the government is more interested in maintaining appearances than in truly supporting those in need,” she said.
The opposition leader also took aim at the government’s job creation efforts, or lack thereof. She pointed out the rising frustration among the youth who are struggling to find employment. “The government’s track record in job creation is dismal. Many of our youth have given up hope of finding formal employment,” she said.
Moitra questioned the effectiveness of the government’s employment schemes, arguing that the current budget does not adequately address the urgent need for job opportunities. “This budget fails to provide real solutions for our young people, leaving them disillusioned and without prospects,” she added.
In a pointed accusation, Moitra alleged that the government is prioritising the interests of a few wealthy business houses over the welfare of the general public. “This budget is designed to protect the interests of a select few, rather than improving the lives of ordinary citizens. It’s crony capitalism at its worst,” she asserted.
She referenced the disproportionate benefits given to certain corporations, suggesting that the budget is structured to “save chairs” rather than address the needs of the majority. “This government is more interested in serving a wealthy elite than in fulfilling its duty to the people,” Moitra said.
In her closing remarks, Moitra called for greater transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly in the areas of welfare schemes and defence allocations. “The people have a right to know how their money is being spent, and the government has a duty to ensure that every rupee is used for the public good,” she said.
Moitra’s passionate address has sparked widespread discussion about the direction of the country’s fiscal policies, highlighting the growing discontent among the middle and lower classes. As the government faces increasing scrutiny, the call for a more equitable and people-centred budget is louder than ever.