Bhupesh Baghel Launches Scathing Attack on Chhattisgarh Budget, Dubs It 'Hollow' and AI-Generated
Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel unleashed a fierce verbal assault on the state budget presented by finance minister Choudhary on Tuesday, branding the financial document as nothing more than a collection of 'hollow announcements' that demonstrate a complete absence of seriousness and long-term vision.
Budget Reflects Continuation of 'Empty Promises'
Addressing journalists immediately following the budget presentation in the Legislative Assembly, Baghel asserted that the document merely perpetuated what he characterized as 'empty promises' rather than offering substantive policy measures or concrete solutions to the state's pressing issues.
Employing a vivid and memorable metaphor that captured attention both within the Assembly chambers and beyond, Baghel likened the government's budgetary approach to attempting to fly a kite without proper preparation. 'In the previous budget, I announced that we would try to fly a kite. In this budget, I am announcing that we will try to fight a kite without any preparations,' he stated, highlighting what he perceived as the administration's disjointed and ineffective planning.
Baghel's Stunning Claim: 'Budget Written by ChatGPT'
In one of his most pointed jabs, Baghel suggested the budget might have been artificially generated, remarking, 'It seems this budget has been written by ChatGPT. Only Artificial Intelligence appears to have been used.' This comment underscored his belief that the document lacked genuine human insight and thoughtful consideration of the state's needs.
Congress Spokesperson Echoes Criticism, Highlights Specific Failures
State Congress spokesperson Vandana Rajput joined the criticism, labeling the third budget of the Sai government as profoundly 'disappointing' and completely contrary to the expectations of ordinary citizens. She emphasized that the budget had particularly failed women, who had been anticipating a special package addressing safety concerns and employment opportunities.
Key shortcomings highlighted by Rajput include:
- The Rani Durgavati Yojana remains ambiguous and unclear in its implementation details
- No provisions have been made for women engaged in minor forest produce collection in the Bastar region
- The BJP's election promise of providing LPG cylinders at Rs 500 remains unfulfilled, with the government failing to allocate even a single rupee for gas subsidies in the budget
Rajput characterized the financial plan as a 'populist document' that offers virtually nothing to middle-class and poor families struggling with economic challenges. The comprehensive criticism from both senior leadership and party spokespersons signals significant political opposition to the government's fiscal priorities and implementation strategies.
