Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha has intensified his criticism of the BJP-led NDA government over the recently unveiled Union Budget 2024-25, asserting that Indian citizens pay taxes comparable to those in England but receive services akin to those in Somalia.
Key Points from Chadha’s Criticism
- High Tax Burden with Poor Services: Chadha highlighted the disparity between the taxes paid by Indian citizens and the quality of services they receive. “If a person earns Rs 10, they pay Rs 3 in income tax, Rs 2-2.50 in GST, Rs 2 in capital gains tax, and Rs 1-1.50 in other charges, leaving them with only Rs 2-3. Despite this heavy taxation, what does the common man gain? We pay taxes like England but get services like Somalia,” he stated.
- Impact on BJP’s Election Performance: Chadha attributed the BJP’s reduced majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where they secured only 240 seats compared to 303 seats in 2019, to the public’s discontent with economic policies. He metaphorically described the election results as the public imposing an “18% GST” on the government.
Analysis of Economic Failures
Participating in the budget debate, Chadha pointed to several economic issues as the main reasons for the BJP’s electoral setback:
- Rural Income Growth: He noted that rural income growth is at a decadal low.
- Food Inflation: Chadha highlighted that food inflation is around 9%.
- Unemployment: He emphasized the high unemployment rates in both organized and unorganized sectors.
Displeasure Across Society
Chadha further alleged that the Budget 2024 has managed to displease all sections of society. He remarked, “Typically, some sections are pleased and others are disappointed with the budget. This time, the government has disappointed everyone, including BJP supporters. Over the last 10 years, they have burdened citizens with heavy taxes.”
Recommendations for the Government
In his speech, Chadha offered suggestions for better economic management, urging the government to address critical issues such as rural income, food inflation, and unemployment to improve the overall economic situation.
Conclusion
Raghav Chadha’s strong critique reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among various segments of the population regarding the government’s economic policies. As the debate over the Union Budget 2024-25 continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these pressing concerns.
