In a scathing Rajya Sabha debate on the Union Budget, Congress MP Neeraj Dangi painted a grim picture of economic disillusionment. ‘Packed with flashy figures but devoid of light for the common people,’ he said, critiquing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth budget outing as the most uninspiring to date.
Past budgets’ unkept promises haunt this government after 11 years in power, with fresh vows now dangled for tomorrow. Stock markets nosedived post-presentation, Sensex shedding 2,300 points and erasing massive investor value. Investors, markets, and citizens alike were left high and dry.
Dangi charged that the administration is outsourcing solutions to 2047, ignoring piled-up shortcomings from 2014-2026 with no immediate plan in sight. Only lofty, politically tinted visions prevail. The budget’s youth focus rings hollow amid rampant unemployment, price hikes, and inequality. Talks of startups and skilling abound, but where are the stable, dignified jobs?
Promises of employment via MSMEs, orange economy, animation lack credibility after failing to deliver 2 crore jobs yearly. Government hiring freezes persist, temp jobs surge, private gigs lack permanence. Capex push justifies job claims, yet yields scant results.
With 28 million literate youth unemployed and MGNREGA reforms sparking protests, the budget sidesteps rural distress. The scheme’s rebrand removes Gandhi’s legacy without honoring Ram’s principles, symbolizing ideological bankruptcy, Dangi asserted.