TNR News Network
Dharamshala
Senior BJP spokesperson Trilok Kapoor has sharply criticized the Sukhu government’s newly presented budget, calling it nothing more than “a bundle of contradictions” and “headlines without substance.” He alleged that the budget is hollow on the ground and will go down in history as one of the biggest failures of governance.
Kapoor pointed out that for the first time in Himachal’s history, development has reversed. He highlighted that last year’s budget stood at ₹58,514 crore, while this year it has been reduced to ₹54,928 crore. “Shrinking the budget is direct proof of administrative failure. When funds are cut, how will development projects move forward? This budget pushes the state not toward progress but into decline,” he said, branding it “a cauldron of empty talk.”
Free Power Promise Criticized
Kapoor ridiculed the government’s announcement of 300 units of free electricity, calling it “a cauldron without ghee.” He argued that extremely poor families, who only use electricity for basic lighting, cannot consume 300 units. “They were already benefiting from the BJP government’s 125-unit scheme. Now, Congress has reduced the number of eligible BPL families by 70%. Quoting one lakh families in the budget is nothing but a blatant lie,” he charged.
“Budget Bleeds the Poor”
Kapoor accused the government of exploiting the poor, saying, “This is a budget that sucks the blood of the poor.” He attacked the proposed cess of up to ₹5 on diesel and petrol, coupled with a ₹10 hike in milk prices, calling it a “double dose of inflation.” He added that while the government boasts of increasing honorariums of Anganwadi and ASHA workers by ₹500, the rise in fuel and milk prices effectively takes away ₹1,200 from them monthly. “Any VAT hike, under whatever name, ultimately empties the pockets of the common man,” he said.
Regional Bias Alleged
Kapoor further claimed that the budget is biased toward select regions, citing viral remarks by the Assembly Speaker about Dehra and Nadaun. “This budget is not for the whole of Himachal, but for chosen constituencies. The neglect of other regions is evident on every page,” he asserted.
Conclusion
Calling the budget “a document of statistical jugglery and deception,” Kapoor declared that it is neither for the common man nor for inclusive development, but merely a tool to mislead the public.
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