The Punjab budget for 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties. They accuse the AAP government of failing to fulfill key electoral promises, particularly the Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for women.
The opposition, including Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal, has slammed the budget as misleading and lacking concrete measures for economic growth, farmers’ welfare, and industrial development. Concerns have also been raised over Punjab’s mounting debt and inadequate allocations for crucial sectors like health and education.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled a Rs 2.36 lakh crore budget, emphasizing initiatives to curb the drug menace, provide universal health insurance, and launch the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas’ scheme for overall development. However, opposition leaders argue that the budget fails to address pressing economic and social issues. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticized the budget as regressive and lacking any new initiatives for farmers or industrialists. He pointed out the AAP government’s inability to implement its promise of Rs 1,000 per month to women, terming it a betrayal of voters. Chugh also highlighted Punjab’s rising debt and the budget’s failure to promote small and medium enterprises or generate employment opportunities.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa echoed these concerns, dismissing the budget as deceitful and disappointing. He accused the AAP government of neglecting various sections of society, including women, farmers, students, and the business community. Bajwa also raised alarms over Punjab’s financial situation, noting that under AAP’s tenure, the state’s debt has surged from Rs 2.73 lakh crore in 2022 to an estimated Rs 3.96 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26. He criticized the allocation of Rs 14,524 crore for agriculture, calling it insufficient for Punjab’s agrarian economy. Bajwa also accused the government of failing to improve health and education sectors, leaving weaker sections deprived of essential services.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government of betraying Punjabis by failing to fulfill promises related to youth, farmers, and government employees. He highlighted the lack of provisions for the old pension scheme, unemployment allowance, and increased old-age pension. Badal also noted that the budget provides no funds for capital expenditure, with only Rs 10,000 crore allocated despite Punjab’s debt rising to Rs 4.17 lakh crore. He criticized the government’s shifting timeline for drug eradication and its failure to establish the promised 16 medical colleges, with only one set to be built in the next two years.
The opposition’s collective discontent reflects growing frustration with the AAP government’s handling of Punjab’s economy and governance. As financial concerns mount, the debate over unfulfilled electoral promises and policy effectiveness is likely to intensify in the coming months.
