Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday presented his speech in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget debate to raise a wide range of concerns, from national security and federalism to farmers’ distress and social welfare. His address moved across issues affecting daily life, governance, and the role of states within the Union, while keeping the focus on what he described as gaps in policy and delivery.
Budget, federalism and Bengal’s dues
Criticising the Union Budget, Banerjee said it lacked clarity and responsibility. He alleged that the Finance Minister was following what he called a "Robin Hood model in reverse", where the poor face rising taxes and inflation while the wealthy benefit from concessions. He also questioned the idea of cooperative federalism, claiming Bengal was ignored during the Budget speech despite earlier announcements linked to the state.
Bengal’s unpaid dues and denial of central schemes
The Bengal leader said West Bengal’s dues amounting to Rs 1.96 lakh crore remained unpaid, even though the state had contributed Rs 6.75 lakh crore in taxes over the past seven years. According to him, this reflected a system where allies were funded while opposition-ruled states were denied their share. He also raised concerns over the denial of schemes such as MGNREGA, PMAY, Gram Sadak Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission in the state.
Pahalgam attack cited while questioning national security claims
On national security, Banerjee referred to the Pahalgam attack, questioning claims that India’s borders are fully secure. He said incidents like these pointed to deeper issues, which he linked to what he described as a "triple" impact of the Budget.
Also Read | Opposition alleges misconduct, files no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla; Trinamool holds back
'Triple pressure, triple taxation and triple betrayal'
He defined this as triple pressure on citizens, triple taxation through income tax, GST and inflation, and triple betrayal in areas such as fuel prices, railway safety and road infrastructure.
Farmer suicides, MSP delay and trade concerns raised
Banerjee also spoke about farmers, stating that nearly 30 farmers die by suicide every day. He pointed out that MSP has not been legalised even five years after assurances were made during the farmers’ movement. He warned that trade deals opening Indian markets to subsidised foreign produce could further hurt farmers already struggling without MSP protection. He added that PM-Kisan support has remained at Rs 6,000 since 2018.
Youth scholarships, healthcare spending and welfare gaps highlighted
The TMC MP highlighted the underutilisation of youth scholarship funds, saying less than five per cent of the PM Internship Scheme allocation was used, while 31 per cent of funds under the Prime Minister Young Achiever’s Scholarship Scheme remained unused in 2025-26. He also raised concerns over healthcare spending, which he said remained below the promised 2.5 per cent of GDP.
Also Read | In its BIGGEST arms deal, India set to approve Rs 3.25 lakh crore Rafale deal for 114 jets
Data transparency, RTI dilution and Aparajita Bill mentioned
Banerjee further referred to the freezing of NFHS and NCRB data, dilution of the RTI Act, and the pending status of Bengal’s Aparajita Bill. He said these issues, taken together, raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the everyday pressures faced by citizens across the country.
