New Delhi [India]: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for rising inflation and the “senseless” Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26.
.@narendramodi जी,
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 7, 2025
क्या बजट में जनता की बचत बढ़ाने का है कोई प्लान,
या कमरतोड़ महँगाई से जनता को करते रहेंगे परेशान ?
पिछले 6 महीनों में रोज़मर्रा की चीज़ों में गगनचुंबी उछाल,
जरूरी दवाइयाँ, तेल, चाय, कॉफ़ी, बिस्कुट, साबुन, आदि….
सबकी क़ीमतों बनी जनता के जी का जंजाल !… pic.twitter.com/dlKdUSSYNm
Expressing his concerns on social media platform X, Kharge highlighted the increasing prices of essential goods, medicines, and everyday items. He questioned the BJP’s strategy to address the “backbreaking” inflation affecting the public.
“Is there any plan to increase public savings in the budget? Or will you continue to trouble the public with backbreaking inflation? Over the past 6 months, everyday things have seen a huge jump—essential medicines, oil, tea, coffee, biscuits, soap, etc. Everything’s price has become a problem for the people!” Kharge wrote.
The Congress leader also criticized the GST rates, describing them as a burden on citizens.
“Every person is troubled by the senseless rates and tax burden of GST. Consumption fell, and all of India is worried about the economic slowdown!” he added.
Kharge also questioned the purpose of Pre-Budget Consultations, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, if the discussions do not include plans to reduce inflation. He accused the BJP of prioritizing the interests of its “billionaire friends” over the common man.
“BJP’s job is to loot the public and benefit its billionaire friends. In the coming elections, the awakened public will teach a lesson to the BJP and will give such a result,” Kharge wrote.
On Monday, Finance Minister Sitharaman chaired the eighth Pre-Budget Consultation meeting with representatives from trade unions, focusing on gathering inputs regarding the upcoming budget. These consultations are part of the government’s annual process to shape policies and allocate resources effectively.
The Union Budget 2025-26, set to be presented in February, is expected to address pressing economic challenges, including inflation, and promote growth in key sectors.