Budget – Sitharaman Criticises Bengal Law and Order in Lok Sabha
Budget – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress during a heated discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of failing to maintain law and order in West Bengal. She alleged that violence and illegal explosives have become disturbingly common in the state.
Allegations of Declining Law and Order
Participating in the Budget debate, Sitharaman said the situation in West Bengal reflects a breakdown of governance. She claimed that incidents involving crude bombs have raised serious safety concerns and argued that the state administration has not taken sufficient corrective measures.
In a pointed remark aimed at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the minister suggested that instead of strengthening policing systems, the state leadership has advised women to avoid stepping out in the evenings. Her comments triggered protests from Opposition members, leading to noisy scenes in the House.
Referring to a blast in Kaliganj in June 2025, Sitharaman cited the death of a child in the incident and noted that a local Trinamool Congress leader had been arrested in connection with the case. With assembly elections in West Bengal expected in the coming months, the exchange has added political intensity to parliamentary proceedings.
Dispute Over Budget Allocations
The Finance Minister also rejected the Trinamool Congress’s claim that the Union Budget overlooked West Bengal. She maintained that the Budget includes multiple schemes and initiatives in which the state government can actively participate.
According to Sitharaman, the Centre has kept the framework open for states to benefit from infrastructure, welfare, and development proposals. She argued that it is up to state administrations to take advantage of these opportunities for the welfare of their residents.
GST Claims Countered in Parliament
Addressing remarks made by Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee, Sitharaman accused him of presenting incorrect information regarding the Goods and Services Tax. She clarified that essential items such as milk, basic educational services, and stationery are not subject to GST in the manner suggested.
She also dismissed the allegation that GST applies to funeral services. “There has never been any GST on funeral services,” she told the House, emphasizing that such claims could create unnecessary confusion among the public.
The exchange formed a significant part of the Budget debate, as taxation policies often become a focal point of political disagreement. Sitharaman reiterated that GST rates are decided collectively in the GST Council, where states are represented.
High-Speed Rail Corridors in Uttar Pradesh
During the same debate, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav questioned the absence of provisions for high-speed rail in Uttar Pradesh. Responding to this, Sitharaman said that two proposed high-speed train corridors — Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Siliguri — pass through the state.
She urged Yadav to verify facts before making claims about the Budget. The minister maintained that the government’s infrastructure push extends across several states, including Uttar Pradesh.
Political Undercurrents Ahead of Elections
The Budget discussion in Parliament reflected not just fiscal priorities but also the sharp political divide between the ruling alliance and Opposition parties. With West Bengal heading toward assembly elections, the exchange between the Centre and the state’s ruling party is likely to remain a key political theme.
While the government defended its financial proposals and tax structure, Opposition leaders continued to question allocations and implementation. The debate underscored how national economic policies and regional political dynamics often intersect in parliamentary proceedings