Budget 2024: Decoding the Politics Behind the Budget
I believe that understanding the context behind government actions and events is crucial. Over my years as a print journalist, I’ve realised that without context, we can’t fully grasp why certain things happen. One key time to understand context is during the budget announcement.
The recent budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks her seventh time delivering it, the most by any finance minister since Morarji Desai. The budget is essentially a reflection of various pressures faced by the government and the public’s response to it, both positive and negative. Notably, there is a significant shift in how the BJP has crafted this budget.
Did the Government Take a Leaf from the Congress Manifesto?
A major focus of the budget is on job creation. Interestingly, the word “jobs” appeared 34 times in the budget 2024 speech. However, the Congress party alleges that many ideas in the budget were taken from their manifesto. Unlike the BJP, which presented “Modi’s Guarantee” instead of a traditional manifesto, the Congress provided a comprehensive one, highlighting plans for job creation.
The BJP government has outlined its vision for providing jobs, particularly through internships. However, there is criticism that while internships are promised, actual job creation is lacking. The budget proposes internships in 500 top companies, but there’s no clear path for what follows. This has drawn comparisons to the Agnipath scheme, where young recruits face uncertain futures after their tenure.
In summary, while the BJP’s budget offers hope for the future, it falls short of addressing the pressing issue of unemployment with concrete solutions. The promise of internships is a step forward, but the lack of guaranteed jobs remains a significant concern.
Does Budget 2024 Favour Andhraiites and Biharis?
The BJP, despite securing around 240 seats, required additional support to form a government, needing at least 271 seats. They managed to garner support from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Andhra Pradesh and the Janata Dal United (JDU) of Bihar. Both parties demanded special status for their states in return for their support.
In response, Andhra Pradesh received ₹15,000 crores for building its new capital, Amaravati, while Bihar was allocated ₹59,000 crores for various developmental projects. This allocation has sparked significant debate in Parliament. If you’ve been following the parliamentary sessions on TV, you would have noticed the uproar and agitation among members. The concern is whether this budget truly serves all regions or favours specific states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
States like Odisha, which had supported the BJP for years, and Assam, a BJP-ruled state with a “double engine government,” feel neglected. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction, with many regions claiming they are being overlooked while Andhra Pradesh and Bihar celebrate their substantial allocations.
This situation highlights the complexities and pressures within the government. It underscores how support from key states can influence budget allocations, sometimes at the expense of broader national interests.
As a journalist, I’ve observed how pressure groups and lobbyists often drive government actions. This is a unique instance of a government, without a clear majority, heavily relying on the support of two political parties.
While Andhra Pradesh and Bihar benefit from significant funding, the question remains: at what cost to the rest of the country? This context is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the budget and the intricate political dynamics at play.
Budget 2024 is particularly significant as it’s the first one after the BJP, which ruled for the last decade, suffered a major setback in the recent elections. During my travels across the country, even in BJP strongholds, I witnessed widespread anger and discontent. Many believed the government had failed to provide jobs, a sentiment that was clearly reflected in the budget unveiled yesterday.
The Congress party, while disappointed with the BJP’s performance, also sees an opportunity. They argue that the budget’s allocation of funds to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while ignoring other states, will cause division and anxiety. All eyes are now on Maharashtra and Haryana, where elections are imminent. The neglect of these states’ needs in the budget is likely to cause significant distress for the BJP during the upcoming elections.
We Have a Government That Is Averse to Using Data
There are several criticisms levelled against the BJP government, chief among them being their reluctance to use updated data. The last comprehensive data update was in 2011, and this outdated information affects budgetary decisions. For instance, provisions have been made to feed 80 crore people without accurate, updated data on the actual number of beneficiaries. Similarly, promises made regarding healthcare for seniors remain unfulfilled due to a lack of precise data.
Will the Government Cozy Up to China?
Another point of contention is the government’s stance towards China. Despite the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, recent economic surveys and budgetary proposals suggest a closer economic alignment with China. The reduction in duties on electronic items, which primarily benefits Chinese imports, is a clear indicator of this shift.
Additionally, there is a subtle but significant Russian influence, evidenced by Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Russia and the growing economic ties between the two nations. This connection is reflected in the budget’s strategic allocations and policy directions.
In conclusion, to truly understand budget 2024, one must grasp the broader context. Without this understanding, the budget appears as just another economic document. Context provides clarity on the motivations and implications behind the numbers and policies.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the underlying context of current events.