February 02, 2018: Saying that Union Budget 2018-19 would create more pressure on common people, CPIM Politburo leader Prakash Karat today launched scathing attack against BJP and alleged, BJP has unleashed ‘attack’ on aam aadmi and poorer section of the country through Union Budget. Common and poor people are facing financial burden due to hike in prices of petro-products even though international petro prices are falling – the Budget would salt to wounds. He also commented that the Union Budget had failed to introduce any relief for rural agrarian economy and attain growth in job creating sectors.
Prakash Karat today addressed an election rally at Belonia in South Tripura and urged people to strongly register their protests against anti-people policies of Modi Government by ensuring victory of LF Candidates in ensuing Assembly election. Tripura will go hold one phase Assembly polls on February 18 next.
Union Budget 2018-19 appears to add ammunition in the arsenal of Leftists as CPM leaders are firing from all guns against BJP using proposals of Union Budget.
Saying that Union Budget failed to bring cheers for middle class and poor sections of the society. Karat said that Indian agriculture is in constant distress, the Union Budget overlooked the farming people’s plights and slew of measures proposed lack adequate funding. Prakash Karat alleged that allocations in social welfare sector, health sector and rural sector were inadequate.
He also said, Union Government has ignored several State Governments pleas for augmenting allocation for MNREGA. He said, “Union government’s spending on health and family welfare amounted to merely 0.3% of GDP (gross domestic product)”. Mentioning about the proposed national health protection scheme, he said it will entail huge expenditure but no money has been provided for it.
