TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 10, 2024: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee President, Deepak Baij, expressed deep disappointment with the first budget of the Sai government, stating it fell short of public expectations. Baij criticized the absence of a roadmap for youth employment and strategies to combat inflation. He highlighted unfulfilled promises such as government job creation for one lakh youth and student travel allowances, emphasizing the budget’s failure to address these commitments.
Moreover, Baij criticized the budget’s resemblance to BJP’s election slogans, labeling it as a compilation of falsehoods. He accused the government of neglecting Chhattisgarh’s interests regarding withheld central taxes and coal royalty penalties. Furthermore, Baij lamented the lack of provisions for new medical or engineering colleges, contrasting it with previous Congress budgets that prioritized healthcare and education.
The Congress Communication Department Chairman, Sushil Anand Shukla, echoed Baij’s sentiments, alleging that the budget exposed BJP’s disregard for women’s welfare and sectors like education, health, and agriculture. Shukla condemned the meager allocation of Rs 3000 crore for the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, suggesting it would exclude a significant portion of eligible women from benefits.
Additionally, senior spokesperson Surendra Verma criticized the budget’s lack of vision and continuity with previous government programs, accusing the Sai government of confusion and betrayal. Verma highlighted the absence of new initiatives and expressed concerns about the BJP’s commitment to public welfare.
In response, the BJP defended the budget, emphasizing its alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s guarantees and development objectives. They countered allegations of neglecting public welfare, asserting the budget’s focus on infrastructure and economic growth. The debate surrounding the budget reflects the political tension and differing priorities in Chhattisgarh’s governance landscape.
