Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Criticizes Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks on Union Budget

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments on the Union Budget, accusing him of having “zero knowledge” about the Indian economy. The statement was made during a press conference in response to Gandhi’s recent remarks about the Budget, which he described as “politically motivated” and lacking in substance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of the Union Budget

Rahul Gandhi, in his post on X (formerly Twitter), had criticized the Union Budget, calling it a “band-aid for bullet wounds.” He accused the government of being “bankrupt of ideas” and failing to address the ongoing economic crisis. Gandhi’s critique was aimed at the economic policies laid out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the upcoming fiscal year. According to Gandhi, the Budget did not offer any real solutions to the nation’s pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and economic disparity.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Counterattack

In response, Himanta Biswa Sarma vehemently disagreed with Gandhi’s assessment. Sarma stated that the Congress leader’s comments reflected ignorance of the Indian economic landscape and were politically motivated. Sarma further emphasized that Gandhi’s remarks were baseless, asserting that the Congress had failed to bring about any substantial relief during their 60 years in power.

“Congress should not criticize the Union Budget at all,” Sarma stated, highlighting that under Congress rule, the income tax exemption limit had remained at Rs 3 lakh for decades. This, he argued, failed to benefit the middle class, which has been a major focus of the current government’s economic reforms.

Union Budget Highlights: Tax Relief for the Middle Class

Sarma praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her comprehensive approach to the Union Budget. He pointed out that the tax exemption limit had been significantly raised under the Modi government—first to Rs 5 lakh, and more recently, to Rs 7 lakh in subsequent budgets. This move, according to Sarma, demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing relief to all sections of society, particularly the middle class.

Sarma also highlighted that the current Budget, in addition to tax relief, has allocated increased tax devolution to the states, which would benefit regions like Assam. He lauded the Rs 44,500 crore tax devolution allocated to Assam for the next fiscal year, marking an increase from the previous Rs 40,000 crore.

Congress’ 60-Year Track Record: Sarma’s Critique

One of Sarma’s key points of criticism was that Congress had not raised the tax exemption limit during its 60 years in power. He accused the Congress party of failing to offer any meaningful support to the middle class during its time in government, particularly when it came to economic policies aimed at improving the living standards of ordinary citizens.

“After 60 years of rule, they failed to provide even Rs 5 lakh relief to the middle class,” Sarma stated. This comparison was made to underline the progress made by the current government in terms of tax relief and the support offered to the common people.

The Economic Impact of the Union Budget

Sarma also took the opportunity to discuss the broader implications of the Union Budget on India’s economy. He emphasized that the budget was designed to cater to all sections of society, from the lower-income groups to the upper-middle class, ensuring that no segment of the population is left behind. The tax reforms, he argued, are a step toward creating a more equitable economic structure where resources are more evenly distributed among different sections of society.

Additionally, the tax devolution to states has been boosted, which Sarma said would give states like Assam greater financial autonomy, allowing them to address local issues more effectively.

The Growing Rift Between Congress and BJP

The exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma is part of the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress and BJP. While Gandhi has consistently criticized the Modi government’s policies, particularly regarding economic issues, Sarma and other BJP leaders have defended the Union Budget, highlighting its positive impact on the economy and social welfare.

The Congress party has repeatedly accused the government of being ineffective in managing the economy, particularly regarding issues such as job creation, inflation, and economic inequality. On the other hand, the BJP has emphasized the achievements of the Modi government, such as tax reforms, economic growth, and the allocation of resources to various sectors aimed at boosting the economy.

The controversy surrounding the Union Budget reflects a deeper divide in the political landscape of India, with different parties offering competing visions for the country’s future. While Rahul Gandhi has expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to address economic challenges, Himanta Biswa Sarma remains confident that the BJP-led government has taken major steps to strengthen the economy and provide relief to the middle class.