Budget Will Lay Strong Foundation for a Developed India: Punjab BJP Chief Jakhar
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar declared on Monday that the Union Budget is deeply inspired by the egalitarian philosophy of Guru Ravidas, which emphasizes that all individuals are equal and deserve equal rights. He asserted that this budget serves as a robust foundation for constructing a developed India, though he criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress for their apparent lack of understanding in economic matters.
Criticism of Opposition Parties
Jakhar highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously mentioned on Sunday that several cities in Punjab, including Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Moga, and Ferozepur, would benefit significantly from the budget provisions. During a press conference held in Chandigarh, he questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for presenting what he termed as factually incorrect claims regarding Punjab's budget allocations.
He elaborated that during a pre-budget meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister, the Punjab Finance Minister failed to submit any specific budget proposals or development demands. Instead, the state's representative only requested an increase in Punjab's borrowing limit, which Jakhar suggested indicates a lack of proactive planning from the state government.
Allegations Against CM Bhagwant Mann
Jakhar further accused CM Bhagwant Mann of avoiding a meeting with Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Punjab, allegedly out of fear of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He stated that this action violated established political conventions and argued that if the Chief Minister had met with the Prime Minister to present Punjab's demands, it could have led to more favorable outcomes for the state.
Budget Proposals and Punjab's Benefits
Discussing the specific budget proposals, Jakhar noted that Punjab would receive funds for initiatives such as crop diversification or high-value crops only if the state government submits appropriate and detailed plans to the central authorities. He emphasized that the Centre is allocating a substantial amount of Rs 1.70 lakh crore as fertilizer subsidy, with Punjab receiving a significant portion due to its high consumption of fertilizers.
Similarly, a large share of the budget allocated for government procurement of food grains directly benefits Punjab's farmers, contributing to their economic well-being. Jakhar's comments underscore the budget's potential impact on Punjab's agricultural sector and overall development, while also highlighting the political tensions between the BJP and the ruling AAP in the state.
