Congress Attack BJP Government’s First Budget Says, "No Roadmap For Bengal’s Future"

 

The Bengal election may be distant, yet the fierce competition between Congress and BJP has begun, with Congress sparing no effort in its counteroffensive against the West Bengal. On June, 22,26, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee expressed stern criticism of  the BJP government's inaugural State Budget, which seeks to generate headlines through extravagant announcement but neglects to tackle the essential economic issues facing Bengal. 

At first glance, the ₹4.38 lakh crore Budget appears ambitious. However, a closer examination reveals serious concerns regarding fiscal sustainability, employment generation, industrial growth, social justice and transparency.

The Congress Party wishes to highlight the following major shortcomings:

Debt-Fuelled Governance, Not Sustainable Development

West Bengal’s outstanding debt is already about ₹8.5 lakh crore, with the debt-to-GSDP ratio remaining alarmingly high. Yet the Budget offers no credible roadmap for debt reduction, fiscal consolidation or repayment of liabilities. Instead, the government continues to rely on borrowing while expanding expenditure commitments.

DA Hike Welcome, But Financially Questionable

The announcement of a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance for government employees is welcome. However, it will only be implemented from October 2026 and raises serious questions regarding long-term fiscal sustainability. Without corresponding revenue generation and economic growth, such commitments risk increasing future debt burdens.

Welfare Announcements Without Transparency

The BJP Government has allocated ₹36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana. However, by the government’s own figures, this allocation can cover only around one crore beneficiaries, despite election promises that all beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar would be included. The government must clarify who will be excluded and on what basis. This Budget raises fears of a betrayal of electoral promises.

No Clear Strategy for Employment Generation

The Budget repeatedly speaks about investment and industrial development but fails to specify employment targets, industrial roadmaps or sector-wise job creation plans. Bengal’s youth deserve jobs, not slogans.

Industry and Technology Ignored

Allocations for Industry & Minerals and Science & Technology remain disproportionately low compared to welfare expenditure. No major industrial policy framework, manufacturing strategy or technology roadmap has been presented. This neglect will only accelerate unemployment and brain drain.

Critical Infrastructure Remains Underfunded

Key sectors such as irrigation, flood control, energy infrastructure and technical education continue to receive inadequate attention despite their direct impact on agriculture, industry and climate resilience.

No Clarity on Land Acquisition and Farmer Protection

While the government speaks of easing industrial bottlenecks, it has failed to provide a transparent policy regarding land acquisition, rehabilitation and compensation for farmers. Sustainable industrialisation cannot be built on uncertainty and mistrust.

Education and Health Deserve Greater Priority

The spending allocation approximately ₹51,530 crore for Education and ₹23,119 crore for Health. However, these investments remain inadequate when viewed against Bengal’s long-term developmental needs. There is no transformative vision for public schools, higher education, technical education, hospitals or healthcare infrastructure.

Revenue Assumptions Appear Over-Optimistic

The Budget projects a sharp increase in revenue receipts, including substantial increases in grants and tax collections. However, the government has failed to explain how these ambitious targets will be achieved. Any shortfall could place further stress on the state’s finances.

Minority Welfare Suffers Major Cut

At a time when inclusive growth should be a priority, the Budget significantly reduces allocations for minority welfare. This raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to social justice and equitable development.

Silence on Central Dues Owed to Bengal

The Budget fails to explain how the state intends to recover over ₹1.16 lakh crore in dues owed by the Central Government to West Bengal. The BJP Government in Bengal appears unwilling to confront its own party leadership in Delhi on behalf of the people of the state.

The Congress Party believes that Bengal needs a Budget focused on productive investment, quality education, healthcare, industrial growth, agriculture, employment generation and social justice.

Unfortunately, this Budget prioritises publicity over policy, announcements over accountability and short-term political optics over long-term economic transformation.

The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee will continue to raise the concerns of students, youth, farmers, workers, government employees, small entrepreneurs, minorities and ordinary citizens both inside and outside the Assembly.