Cong censures budget, BJP hails
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 23 2024: Expressing strong resentment over not mentioning anything about the multiple crisis in Manipur in the Union Budget 2024-25 presented by the union finance minister on Tuesday, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra said that the Modi 3.0 budget is nothing but an excuse to save the BJP government.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhawan, here, on Tuesday, Meghachandra said that people of the state, who have been impacted extensively by not only the 14-month long crisis but also by multiple floods and severe hailstorm, had high hopes of some special packages for the state in the Union Budget.

However, the budget clearly shows that the Central government does not have any care for Manipur and its people at all, he said.

Meghachandra further said that the budget men tions about flood relief package for Assam only in the northeast region, along with some other states.

In short, this is a budget meant for saving the government as it focuses mainly on some BJP ruled state and its allies.

Considering the presence of double engine government in the state, people hoped that the Centre will come up with some significant relief packages but that did not happen.

It even failed to reflect the 14-month long conflict, which suggests that there is no benefit of having a BJP government in the state, he continued.

The budget presents a contrasting picture from the Economic Survey report published on Tuesday.

The Economic Survey report claimed of showing signs of progress and development.

But the truth is that in 2014, GDP reached 8 per cent under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but there is no GDP growth today.

The tax regime under the new budget reflects the idea of tax terrorism.

There is no hope of financial prosperity for the common people except for some rich people.

The budget is full of lies, he added.

Meghachandra said: "There was a partiality in the budget.

The entire Northeast was not taken care of.

Manipur was once again neglected.

While flood-hit Assam was mentioned, Manipur that witnessed a catastrophic hailstorm and two of the, worst floods in more than 20 years was not" .

"Not providing any aid to more than 60,000 displaced people is also a setback.

We are very much disappointed," he said.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in the state hailed the Budget, asserting that it was dedicated to the holistic and inclusive development of all citizens.

In a statement, state BJP spokesperson M Asnikumar said, "To achieve comprehensive social justice, we will employ a saturation approach to ensure all eligible individuals are covered by various programs, including those for education and health" .

"I am delighted to know that the budget proposes to allocate Rs 2 lakh crore for job creation over five years and a new employment skilling scheme," he said.

Asnikumar said the budget seeks to ensure that all Indians, irrespective of their religion, caste, gender and age, make substantial progress in realising their life goals and aspirations.

(With inputs from agencies) .

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