West Bengal: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the central government over the Union Budget 2025, calling it disappointing and anti-people. She alleged that the budget lacks provisions for social welfare and fails to address critical economic concerns affecting the common people. As Mamata Banerjee criticises Union Budget 2025, she accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare, arguing that the budget does little to support states like West Bengal.
In her sharp remarks, Mamata Banerjee highlighted that the budget does not adequately allocate funds for key sectors such as agriculture, employment, and rural development. She pointed out that while the central government has projected an ambitious economic roadmap, the budget lacks concrete measures to address inflation, unemployment, and financial assistance for marginalized communities. As Mamata Banerjee criticises Union Budget 2025, she argued that it undermines federalism by not providing enough fiscal support to state governments.
The Chief Minister also expressed concerns over the reduction in allocations for crucial welfare schemes. She claimed that several centrally sponsored programs, which benefit millions in West Bengal, have either faced budget cuts or have been ignored. This, she argued, would put an additional financial burden on state governments that are already struggling with revenue constraints. According to Mamata Banerjee, the budget’s approach reflects a growing centralization of financial resources, limiting states’ ability to implement welfare programs effectively.
Another major point of contention in her critique was the alleged neglect of infrastructure development in West Bengal. While the central government has announced various infrastructure projects, Mamata Banerjee asserted that her state has been overlooked in terms of railway, highway, and industrial investments. As Mamata Banerjee criticises Union Budget 2025, she accused the government of being politically biased in its allocation of development funds, favoring states governed by the ruling party at the center.
She also took aim at the budget’s handling of social security schemes, questioning the government’s commitment to ensuring financial stability for the lower income people and middle class. Rising fuel prices, increasing costs of essential commodities, and the lack of direct tax relief for ordinary citizens were some of the key concerns she raised. She warned that if these economic challenges are not addressed, they could further widen the gap between the rich and the lower income people.
In response to the criticism, government officials defended the budget, claiming that it is designed to boost economic growth and attract investment. They argued that the focus on digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and ease of doing business would create long-term benefits for the economy. However, Mamata Banerjee dismissed these claims, insisting that the budget has failed to address immediate economic hardships.
As Mamata Banerjee criticises Union Budget 2025, her remarks have added to the ongoing national debate over the budget’s impact on different sections of society. With opposition parties echoing similar concerns, the central government may face increased political pressure to justify its economic policies and reconsider certain allocations in the coming months.
