Gautam Buddh Nagar: The Union Budget presented by the Modi government has once again come under sharp criticism from the Congress party. Reacting to the budget, Deepak Bhati Chotiwala, District President of Congress, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), said that the budget has proved to be a complete deception for the lower and middle classes and has failed to address the real concerns of the common people.
Union Budget Fails Lower and Middle Classes
Deepak Bhati Chotiwala stated that the Union Budget has once again disappointed the lower and middle-income groups, who were expecting some concrete relief from the government. He said that despite repeated claims of inclusive development, the budget offers no meaningful support to those who are struggling with rising prices and stagnant incomes. According to him, the economic policies reflected in the budget are disconnected from the everyday realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Budget a Nightmare for Farmers
Targeting the government’s earlier promise of doubling farmers’ income, Deepak Bhati Chotiwala said that the current budget is nothing short of a nightmare for the farming community. He remarked that farmers had hoped for decisive measures to improve their income, reduce input costs, and provide financial security. However, the budget has failed to deliver any substantial relief, leaving farmers disillusioned and uncertain about their future.
He added that instead of addressing agrarian distress, the budget has ignored the pressing issues faced by farmers across the country. Rising costs, unstable crop prices, and lack of adequate support remain unresolved, exposing the hollowness of the government’s tall claims.
Disappointment for Homemakers
Deepak Bhati Chotiwala also highlighted the disappointment faced by homemakers, particularly women managing household budgets. He said that homemakers were expecting some relief from inflation and hoped that the government would introduce measures to reduce the burden of daily household expenses. However, the budget has crushed these expectations, offering no relief from rising prices of essential commodities.
According to him, the absence of steps to control inflation directly impacts household finances, making it increasingly difficult for families to manage their monthly expenses. He said this reflects the government’s failure to understand the challenges faced by households at the grassroots level.
No Relief for Salaried Class
Criticising the budget’s approach towards salaried individuals, Deepak Bhati Chotiwala said that employees were hoping for some relief in income tax slabs or other concessions that could improve their disposable income. However, the budget has left the salaried class empty-handed, with no significant changes or benefits announced for them.
He pointed out that rising living costs, coupled with unchanged tax structures, continue to put pressure on salaried individuals. The lack of relief for this segment, he said, further deepens dissatisfaction among working professionals who form a crucial part of the economy.
An Election-Oriented Budget
Deepak Bhati Chotiwala alleged that the Union Budget has been prepared keeping upcoming elections in mind rather than addressing the long-term needs of the country. He described the budget as an “election-oriented exercise” filled with promises and rhetoric but lacking substance. According to him, the budget appears to be designed to influence voters in poll-bound states rather than provide genuine economic solutions.
He further stated that the common citizen will continue to pay nearly 39 percent of their income to the government in various forms of taxes. Calling this situation shameful, he said that despite such a heavy tax burden, the government has failed to offer adequate public relief or welfare measures in return.
Congress Slams Government’s Economic Approach
Concluding his statement, Deepak Bhati Chotiwala said that the Congress party firmly believes that a national budget should prioritize the welfare of farmers, workers, salaried employees, women, and the middle class. He asserted that the present budget does not fulfill these objectives and instead reinforces the perception that the government is insensitive to the struggles of the common man.
He said that Congress will continue to raise its voice against policies that burden ordinary citizens while failing to provide relief or security. According to him, the Union Budget, rather than offering hope and stability, has left large sections of society feeling ignored and betrayed.
