Chandrima takes aim at BJP absence during budget reply
Times of India | 21 February 2025
123 Kolkata: Bengal finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, during her reply to budget discussions on Thursday, took a dig at BJP MLAs for remaining absent and said "all the people of Bengal are watching it". Describing the state budget as "groundbreaking", she emphasised its focus on infrastructure development and women with an estimate of Rs 7.7 lakh crore.
Bhattacharya criticised BJP MLA and economist Ashok Lahiri for his comments on Wednesday, adding that he didn't show the courtesy to be present in the assembly to hear her reply. She also hit out at Lahiri over his comments on issues concerning migrant workers.
Bhattacharya discussed the necessity of state borrowing and said that Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management rules were not violated. She highlighted social sector growth, mentioning programmes like Swasthya Sathi, pension scheme and Jai Bangla.
"The Lakshmir Bhandar programme benefits 2.2 crore women," she said, pointing out that Bengal's Duare Sarkar programme even won the President's award. Bhattacharya spoke on increasing capital outlay, and also on Banglar Bari, for which Rs 15,000 crore was earmarked.
"What's in a name," the state finance minister said, highlighting that Jol Swapno and Jal Jeevan Mission were the same as both aimed to provide potable water to people.
Bhattacharya said the Ghatal Master Plan received Rs 2,500 crore, with Rs 200 crore for river network. She criticised tea garden-related statements of BJP MLAs and defended CM Mamata Banerjee's genuine concern for tea workers. The freehold concept did not hold good for tea gardens, she added.
Bhattacharya said the Durga Puja carnival was now a major event and hosted in all districts. She detailed pending central funds for various programmes, including National Health Mission. She also pointed out that though Uttar Pradesh had much more fake job cards than Bengal, funds were allocated to UP and other BJP-governed states but not Bengal.
Speaker Biman Banerjee said BJP MLAs should reconsider their decision about attending the assembly. "Otherwise, a decision has to be taken," he said.