Sukhbir Badal Critiques Union Budget for Focusing on Poll States
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal criticized the Union Budget 2025-26 for its lack of inclusivity and focus on poll-bound states, highlighting the neglect of Punjab and the agricultural economy, along with unmet demands from farmers.
Key Takeaways
- Union Budget 2025-26 criticized for lack of inclusivity
- Focus on poll-bound states like Bihar and Assam
- Punjab overlooked in funding allocations
- No funding for minimum support price or farm loan waivers
- Essential sectors like education and transport face budget cuts
Chandigarh, Feb 1 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed disappointment on Saturday regarding the Union Budget 2025-26, stating that it failed to promote inclusive development across the nation and focused primarily on poll-bound states. He emphasized that the agricultural economy has been jeopardized by neglecting farmers' demands, including the need for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Commenting on the Budget, Badal remarked: "It is regrettable that the emphasis was placed on states like Bihar and Assam that are holding elections this year, while significant states like Punjab have been completely overlooked."
He expressed concern over the government's failure to allocate funds to ensure minimum support price for all crops as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi four years ago. Furthermore, he highlighted that there was a lack of resources set aside for a comprehensive farm loan waiver, which is essential given the ongoing distress in the agricultural sector.
Badal criticized the lack of initiative to revise the PM Fasal Bima Yojana and increase funding for it, which would have benefited farmers.
He pointed out that Punjabis were eager for funding to facilitate diversification by encouraging farmers to transition away from paddy cultivation. "Unfortunately, the government did not address this need," he lamented.
Additionally, he noted that no infrastructure or rail projects had been designated for Punjab, nor had any major institutions been planned.
"Punjab requires investment to revitalize its canal irrigation system, but these funds have also been withheld. The state has also been deprived of a special package for industry in border areas, with no assurances regarding the resumption of trade with Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border," Badal stated.
He criticized the Union Budget for not simplifying GST collection.
"The trade and industry sectors have long requested a simplification and rationalization of GST collection, yet this demand was ignored as well," he added.
Badal lamented that there were cuts to the budgets of essential sectors such as education, transport, and rural development, while no measures were taken to address the rising unemployment by generating job opportunities for the youth.
