NC MLAs praise budget as ‘futuristic’; BJP says it relies heavily on Centre

As the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday began discussions on the Budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference (NC) legislators described it as futuristic and visionary, while BJP legislators criticised it for lacking vision and relying heavily on Centrally-sponsored schemes.

Initiating the discussion, NC MLA Javed Hussain Baig said the Budget provided a holistic view and reflected the futuristic approach of the current government. He described it as a balanced Budget that addressed the needs of all sections of society.

Another NC MLA, Nazir Gurezi, called it an extremely well-balanced Budget that prioritised the welfare of the downtrodden. “This is our government’s first Budget, and over the next five years, people will witness our progress and performance. We will address all issues in due course,” he said.

NC MLA from Srinagar, Tanvir Sadiq, also participated in the discussion, calling it a historic moment that such a Budget had been presented despite the Union Territory facing a heavy deficit. “It is a good beginning, despite the difficult circumstances. All the promises made to the people will be fulfilled in a phased manner,” he asserted.

However, BJP legislators strongly criticized the NC government. BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia argued that nearly 99 percent of the Budget revolved around Centrally-sponsored schemes. He highlighted how these schemes had benefited the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mankotia also noted that the Assembly no longer had to discuss issues such as civilian killings, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating a conducive environment in J&K.

Another BJP MLA, Sunil Bhardwaj, praised Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for transforming Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. “The difficulties of the past 35 years ended in 2019,” he claimed.

Comparing the current Budget to last year’s, which was prepared by bureaucrats, Bhardwaj remarked that this year’s Budget was no different, despite being formulated by an elected government. “This is a visionless Budget,” he said.