AS westward Bengal gets ready for a toughened assemblage election, the unification Budget presented on lord's day became a part of the political fight. The Centre announced several projects for the state, but the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) said these moves were more about winning votes than actually helping people.Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting her ninth budget, spoke about infrastructure plans linked to West Bengal. These include a special freight corridor connecting Dankuni in West Bengal to Surat in Gujarat, an East Coast Industrial Corridor with an important centre at Durgapur, and tourism-related projects under the Centre’s Purvodaya plan aimed at eastern India. The BJP says these steps show its focus on development in eastern India before the elections, reported news agency PTI.ALSO READ | India budget 'tactical', not 'breakthrough', Moody's Ratings saysThe proposed Dankuni-Surat freight corridor has drawn the most attention. The Centre said it will help move goods in a cleaner and cheaper way, lower transport costs, and support industries in the state. The BJP argued that such projects can help West Bengal grow faster and create jobs, something it claims has been slow under the TMC government.West Bengal is expected to go to polls in about three months for its 294-member assembly. The timing of the announcements has raised eyebrows. In the past, states like Bihar also saw major budget promises just before elections, leading critics to say such plans are often timed for political gain.ALSO READ | ₹2.9 lakh crore capex allocation, total outlay at ₹2.7 lakh crore">Railway budget 2026: Vaishnaw's ministry gets ₹2.9 lakh crore capex allocation, total outlay at ₹2.7 lakh croreThe budget mentioned developing tourism in five eastern states under Purvodaya and adding 4,000 electric buses. The BJP said these announcements will appeal to voters worried about jobs, transport and uneven development across regions, the report stated.The TMC reacted strongly, calling the budget a “signal” rather than a serious financial plan. Party leaders said the Centre was rebranding old ideas without releasing funds. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that money for schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana and rural roads has been stopped in Bengal since the 2021 elections.ALSO READ | What gets cheaper and costlier after Budget 2026. Check full listHe said announcing new projects means little if existing funds are not released. The BJP rejected these claims, saying better roads, industries and transport will help the state’s economy, especially in north and western Bengal. Political experts said budgets announced close to elections often mix economic planning with politics, as per the report.(With inputs from PTI)
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.