BJP Using People's Money From LIC, Nationalised Banks To Benefit Some Of Its Leaders, Says Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee called the Union budget "full of lies," saying the Centre was making lofty claims in preparation for the 2024 general election.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the BJP of utilising people's money invested with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and nationalised banks to benefit certain of its party officials, news agency PTI reported.

Speaking at a gathering in Purba Bardhaman district, the Trinamool Congress supremo blasted out at the BJP-led Centre over the Union budget, claiming that the stock market crashed after the budget was presented on Wednesday.

"The share market witnessed a massive crash after the Union budget was presented… Telephone calls were made to some people asking them to pump in several thousand crores of rupees,” Banerjee was quoted by PTI in its report.

Banerjee called the Union budget "full of lies," saying the Centre was making lofty claims in preparation for the 2024 general election.

'Anti-People & Anti-Poor': Mamata Banerjee On Union Budget 2023

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the Union Budget as "anti-people" and "anti-poor," saying it was created with an eye toward the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She said that if given 30 minutes, she could demonstrate how to create a budget for the poor.

Speaking at a government function in Birbhum district’s Bolpur, CM Banerjee had said: “Give me half an hour and I will show you how to prepare a Budget for the poor. This Union Budget is not futuristic, totally opportunistic, anti-people and anti-poor. It will benefit only one class of people. This Budget will not help address the country’s unemployment issue. It has been prepared with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections."

The chief minister asserted that no one will benefit from the modifications to the income tax slabs.

Union Budget 2023

The final comprehensive budget of the second term of the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivered by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday.

According to the finance minister, the budget's proposals revolved on seven priorities: financial sector, green growth, youth power, infrastructure and investment, unleashing potential, and inclusive development.

The five significant announcements about personal income tax, including a shift in tax slab under the new tax regime, were the budget's key selling point.

(With Inputs From Agencies)