Delhi Finance Minister Atishi has launched a sharp critique of the Union Budget for 2024-25, accusing the central government of neglecting the national capital. Atishi's remarks highlight a growing discontent over the allocation of funds, suggesting that Delhi has been unfairly treated in the budgetary provisions.
In her statement, Atishi pointed out that while the people of Delhi contributed a substantial ₹2.60 lakh crore in taxes, the budget did not reflect a fair share of this revenue being returned to the city. She emphasised that Delhi deserved at least five percent of the total tax paid, but the budget's allocation fell short of this expectation. This lack of funding is seen as a significant disappointment for Delhi's residents, who feel their contributions have not been adequately acknowledged.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also voiced his concerns, criticising the central government's distribution of funds. Bharadwaj noted that while taxes are collected from across the country, the budgetary allocations have predominantly favoured only two states—Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
He expressed frustration that despite Delhi's overwhelming support for the BJP in recent elections, the city has been sidelined. The allocation of a special package to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, described as "crutches" for the central government, is perceived as a strategic move rather than a fair distribution of resources.
In response to the opposition's protests over what they consider discriminatory budget practices, the BJP has announced plans to hold nationwide programs to explain the Union Budget's features and benefits.
Over the weekend, BJP will organise events across the country where Union Ministers and national office bearers will engage with the public. Members of Parliament are set to visit districts to discuss the budget's implications in detail, aiming to address the concerns and clarify the intentions behind the budget allocations.
The BJP's efforts to promote understanding of the budget come amid ongoing criticisms from opposition parties. These critics argue that the budget disproportionately favours certain states while neglecting others, particularly Delhi, which is seen as a crucial but overlooked contributor.
The upcoming programs are part of the BJP's strategy to counteract these claims and provide a platform for detailed discussions about the budget's benefits.
The controversy surrounding the Union Budget underscores a broader debate about fair allocation and the representation of different regions in national fiscal policies.
As Delhi's leaders continue to voice their concerns, the central government faces pressure to address these issues and ensure that the budget serves all parts of the country equitably.
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