No plan to manage growing debt: BJP

BJP state spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal termed the Budget as ‘directionless’ and accused the Congress government of failing to address the financial crisis the state is facing.

He highlighted the growing debt burden on the state, which had risen from Rs 76,185 crore in 2023 to over Rs 1 lakh crore, without a concrete plan to manage it.

Jamwal also criticised the government over unfulfilled promises that the Congress had made before the last elections, including providing financial assistance to women and unemployed youth, as well as restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

Jamwal said that the Budget imposed additional taxes on petrol, diesel and alcohol, worsening inflation and burdening common people. He also accused the Congress government of mismanaging public funds, particularly in relation to the financial assistance from the Central Government.

Vijay Pal Singh, chairman of the HPCC Vichar Vibhag, praised the Budget, saying it caters to all sections of society, including farmers, employees and unemployed youth. He said that the Budget was focused on strengthening the rural economy, with special initiatives for tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development.

Vijay Kanv, spokesperson for the District Congress Committee in Mandi, hailed the Budget as people-centric with emphasis on Mandi district’s development. He highlighted a Rs 10-crore dairy development scheme, expansion of tourism infrastructure and promotion of religious tourism.