Congress Decries Union Budget 2024, Calls It An Underwhelming Copy Of Its Poll Manifesto

New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress, has strongly criticised the Union Budget 2024-25, labelling it as underwhelming and accusing the government of copying their manifesto ideas.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment, noting the budget’s failure to address key issues affecting the common man. He highlighted the absence of MNREGA mentions and insufficient measures to tackle income disparity. Tharoor did, however, welcome the abolition of tax on angel investors.

Manickam Tagore, another Congress MP, accused the government of copying Congress’ manifesto without giving proper credit, specifically pointing to the Yuva Nidhi scheme. Former finance minister P Chidambaram acknowledged some alignment with Congress proposals but lamented missed opportunities.

Opposition leaders criticised various aspects of the budget, including alleged inadequate provisions for farmers and lack of attention to Minimum Support Price (MSP). Pramod Tiwari claimed the budget offered little substance to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

MPs from Punjab protested against insufficient fund allocation for their state, while Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi demonstrated outside Parliament. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stressed on unresolved farmer issues and youth unemployment as pressing concerns.