INDIA bloc protests Kursi Bachao Budget, ‘Extortion money to Bihar, Andhra’

In a dramatic display of dissent, leaders of the opposition INDIA alliance staged a protest inside the Parliament building today, vehemently criticizing the Union Budget 2024. They labeled the budget as the “Kursi Bachao Budget,” accusing the administration of blatant favoritism towards certain states while neglecting others. The opposition’s anger was directed particularly at the substantial allocations for states governed by important BJP allies, such as Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which are crucial to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s stability.

The opposition’s discontent centers on the substantial financial allocations unveiled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. On July 18, 2024, Sitharaman announced a series of financial packages totaling over ₹59,000 crore for Bihar, which is governed by Nitish Kumar, a key ally of the BJP. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh, led by Chandrababu Naidu, received a commitment of ₹15,000 crore. This funding is earmarked for infrastructure projects including the state capital Amaravati, the Polavaram dam, and two industrial hubs.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress leader in the Rajya Sabha and President of the Congress party, expressed severe dissatisfaction with the budget. “The Union Budget failed to deliver justice and fairness to many states. We are fighting for equitable treatment,” Kharge declared. His comments reflect a broader frustration within the opposition regarding perceived inequities in the budgetary allocations.

Allegations of Bias and Discrimination in Kursi Bachao Budget

Congress MP Manickam Tagore was among the prominent voices condemning the budget as “discriminatory.” Tagore accused the government of neglecting states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, which had not received any flood relief despite recent natural calamities. “This is a discriminatory Budget towards states not ruled by the BJP. It’s a ‘Kursi Bachao Budget’—a desperate attempt to preserve their government,” Tagore asserted. He criticized the reductions in funding for key areas like NREGA, education, and loans, claiming that the middle class will bear the brunt of these cuts.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also voiced disappointment, particularly with the minimal funding allocated to Kerala, especially in the health sector. “There were high expectations for Kerala, particularly in healthcare, but they have not been met,” Tharoor noted, highlighting the perceived shortfall in the budget.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed similar sentiments, calling the budget “unfair” and “desperate.” Gogoi argued that the budget failed to address the urgent needs of various states and seemed to prioritize political survival over genuine state support. “The INDIA alliance is opposing this budget because it disregards the specific demands and needs of each state,” Gogoi remarked.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut joined the chorus of critics, branding the budget as “Kursi Bachao.” Raut’s remarks drew a historical analogy, suggesting that the current allocations reflect a form of extortion reminiscent of colonial times. “The same traders who once gave extortion money to the East India Company have now supported Bihar’s Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu to protect their political chairs,” Raut claimed.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose criticized the budget for its lack of cooperative federalism. “The government’s budgetary allocations demonstrate discriminatory federalism. Only two states—Andhra Pradesh and Bihar—who are coalition partners with the Centre, have been favored disproportionately,” Ghose asserted.

Government’s Response and Defenses on Kursi Bachao Budget

In response to the opposition’s claims, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the budget, arguing that it has been positively received across the board. Rijiju dismissed the opposition’s assertion that the budget disproportionately favors two states as a misleading narrative. “The Budget is well-balanced and caters to the needs of all citizens,” Rijiju stated. He accused the opposition of attempting to deceive the public by misrepresenting the budget’s intentions and allocations.

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar defended the substantial allocations for Bihar, asserting that they were both justified and necessary. “The opposition’s statements and tweets reveal an anti-Bihar stance. The funds allocated to Bihar are not just favorable but a rightful necessity for the state,” Kumar argued.

The ongoing debate reflects the deep divisions within Indian politics over budgetary priorities and the distribution of resources. As the opposition continues to challenge the government’s approach, the “Kursi Bachao Budget” controversy is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse in the coming months.

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