New Delhi [India], February 1: As the Union Budget 2025 is presented, leaders from Punjab and Madhya Pradesh have raised concerns about critical issues such as inflation, agriculture, and the nation’s mounting debt.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, speaking to ANI, congratulated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but also emphasized the specific needs of his state. He mentioned that during a pre-budget meeting in Jaisalmer, Punjab had submitted a memorandum outlining key demands, including a special financial package for the agrarian state to diversify crops and a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Prices (MSP). He also expressed concern about rising inflation, stating that it was impacting daily necessities and urged the BJP to address the issue.
In Madhya Pradesh, Congress State President Jitendra Jitu Patwari highlighted the financial challenges facing the country, pointing out that the nation’s debt had reached Rs 270 lakh crore. He stressed that the growing wealth gap and increasing inflation were worsening the situation for the poor. Patwari also criticized previous budgets under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, claiming they had left the country disappointed.
On the other hand, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi defended the government’s approach, claiming that the Union Budget 2025-26 would be “pro-people, pro-poor, pro-middle class,” consistent with previous budgets under PM Modi’s leadership, which he argued had focused on boosting the economy.
Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record eighth consecutive budget on Saturday, outlining the government’s fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure proposals, and key reforms, all aimed at strengthening India’s economy.