Is the BJP Budget Just for 5% of the Population? Asserts Akhilesh Yadav
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget 2026, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav delivered a scathing critique of the BJP on Sunday, contending that the administration drafts budgets solely for a limited segment of society. He asserted that this budget caters to merely one-twentieth of the populace, equating to five percent of the nation, primarily benefiting those associated with the BJP.
Addressing journalists outside Parliament, Akhilesh Yadav expressed that he holds no anticipation from the BJP-led government or its budget.
“With no expectations from the BJP government, what can I anticipate from its budget? The budgets thus far seem tailored for only one-twentieth of the population, meaning it is prepared for just five percent of the country. This budget appears to prioritize the BJP’s loyal followers,” he stated.
He further emphasized that a commendable budget should bring joy to the underprivileged and genuinely enhance their living conditions.
“The BJP ought to revisit its own manifesto and clarify how many smart cities have been established. They pledged to improve solid waste management, yet individuals have died from drinking contaminated water. Although the government boasts about achievements on global platforms, the truth is that India has been criticized for poor air quality, raising concerns that such conditions deter investment,” he remarked.
Akhilesh Yadav also expressed worries over pollution and public health.
“It is solely due to divine intervention that there has been rainfall; otherwise, breathing would have been a challenge. People are enduring suffering and infections. While the government claims the country has reached impressive heights, in this time of inflation, has the income of farmers genuinely doubled? They discuss job creation, but are people truly securing jobs?” he questioned.
He further challenged the government’s dedication to social justice.
“You make grand claims in the name of social justice, but what explanations do you have for the realities faced by the people? This budget, yet again, is aimed solely at one-twentieth of the population,” he asserted.
Commenting on the state of Uttar Pradesh, the SP chief claimed that the state administration is out of touch with reality.
“The Chief Minister appears to inhabit a different realm. Under new initiatives, people's funds are being deducted. Although the name of MGNREGA has been altered, allocations for Uttar Pradesh have diminished. Nearly 1,000 gram sabhas have been labeled urban, yet no funding is allocated to them,” he claimed.
He criticized the government for its infrastructure initiatives.
“They announce the construction of 1,000 kilometers of metro, yet no metro has been built in the Prime Minister’s constituency. They reference Atal Ji and village development, but where is the actual development? They promised expressways, but I suspect those expressways exist only on paper,” Akhilesh Yadav concluded.