Shimla, 1 February 2025: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu slammed the Union Budget 2025-26 as inequitable and opportunistic, accusing the Centre of favoring Bihar while neglecting critical issues like unemployment, rising prices, and economic disparity.
He expressed disappointment over the lack of relief for Himachal’s apple growers, no increase in import duties on apples, and the continued neglect of the state's rail network expansion.
He criticized the tough conditions on interest-free loans and the absence of a special financial package post-GST compensation loss, which has left Himachal in a precarious financial position.
Sukhu called the income tax relief too little, too late, arguing it won’t boost demand but merely help taxpayers recover lost savings. He also slammed the budget for ignoring the agricultural sector’s pressing issues.
"This is an anti-poor budget that prioritizes the rich over the common people.
Himachal Pradesh, like many other states, is left to struggle while the Centre plays vote-bank politics.
We need a budget that ensures equitable growth and supports all sections of society, not just a select few," he said.
