Bhupendra Yadav terms Bengal budget a ‘farewell letter’, calls Mamata govt example of bad governance

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government, calling it an example of poor governance and terming the Bengal budget a “farewell letter.” Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, he claimed that 6,800 listed companies had shut down during the Trinamool Congress regime and alleged irregularities in schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Poshan and housing projects, including delays in submission of utilisation certificates. He also dismissed the state government’s stand on the Dearness Allowance issue, saying it was no longer sub judice but a “closed chapter.”

Yadav criticised the state budget for what he described as lower allocation to science education compared to madrasas, stating that ₹5,713.61 crore had been earmarked for madrasas. He said that despite North Bengal having around 30 million people, only ₹910 crore had been allocated for the region. Referring to West Bengal as the land of scientists Satyendra Nath Bose and Jagadish Chandra Bose, he alleged that funds were being distributed in the name of madrasas while key sectors were neglected.

Highlighting the Centre’s economic achievements, Yadav said India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of around $4.19 trillion. He noted that capital expenditure has increased from ₹2 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹12 lakh crore, and over 250 million people have moved above the poverty line in the past decade. He added that infrastructure projects such as the Surat–Dankuni freight corridor, Siliguri–Varanasi corridor and strengthening of the Durgapur logistics network, along with a ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund and modernization of jute technology, would benefit West Bengal’s economy.