District Congress criticizes Union Budget 2025, calls it disappointing

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 2, 2025: The Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Union Budget 2025, calling it disappointing and accusing the central government of neglecting development-oriented states.

In a statement issued on Saturday, February 1, DCC President and former MLC K. Harish Kumar alleged that the budget favored Bihar, which is gearing up for Assembly elections, while ignoring Karnataka, a state that significantly contributes to the national exchequer. He also lamented the lack of announcements regarding a farmers’ loan waiver.

Manjunatha Bhandary, MLC and Working President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, echoed these sentiments, describing the budget as hostile to Karnataka. He criticized BJP MPs for failing to secure adequate funds for the state and expressed disappointment that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, did not announce any major projects for the state.

Countering these claims, Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyasa Kamath described the budget as transformative, asserting that it would energize the economy and position India as a global power. He lauded initiatives such as reduced duties on essential items, loans of up to ₹20 lakh for MSMEs, and ₹2 lakh loans for SC/ST women entrepreneurs, stating these measures would benefit citizens across the country. He also welcomed reductions in duties on 36 drugs and proposals to open cancer daycare centers in government hospitals.