After the Assembly earlier in the day tabled the Rs 4.06 lakh crore interim budget, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a post-budget press conference. She said the state had put people first, even as it faced what she called "constant financial deprivation" from the Centre.
What did Mamata Banerjee say?
"Our budget is pro-people, not directionless, voiceless, and baseless like the Union Budget," the Chief Minister said. She stressed that the government has followed financial norms while still increasing spending on welfare and social sectors.
The Chief Minister alleged that the Centre owes West Bengal nearly Rs. 2 lakh crore in dues. She said funds for major schemes such as MGNREGA, rural housing, rural roads, and the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' have been stuck for years.
"Despite the state being financially deprived by the Centre, we have brought in a pro-people budget. Our commitments have not been compromised, and all promises have been fulfilled. This is not an election gimmick," Mamata Banerjee said. She added that the hike in grants and allowances announced in the budget would be implemented immediately, NDTV reported.
West Bengal Chief Minister attacks BJP
Thanking state government departments and the people, the Chief Minister said job creation in Bengal has improved, even as the country faces wider economic challenges.
Also Read | Mamata Banerjee welcomes Rs 4.06 lakh crore Bengal Budget, calls it ‘pro-people’
She also attacked the BJP, claiming Bengalis have been facing "targeted terror" since the party came to power. "Are we responsible for terror attacks in the country?" she asked, referring to recent incidents outside the state, and rejected attempts to blame the West Bengal government, NDTV reported.
The Chief Minister said she believes people will continue to place their trust in the state government.
"I have not done this alone," Mamata Banerjee said. "We have done it together. Despite humiliation by every agency, we are continuing our fight. The people's trust is with us."
