Mamata Banerjee Defends Pro-People West Bengal Budget Against Centre's Allegations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staunchly defended her government's 'pro-people' interim budget on Thursday, strongly criticizing the Union Budget as 'directionless and rudderless'.

At a post-budget press conference, Banerjee emphasized the state budget's focus on fiscal discipline and welfare, despite what she termed as 'sustained financial deprivation' by the Centre. She highlighted that while the state was allegedly denied its rightful dues, it remained committed to development and welfare schemes targeting women, youth, workers, and vulnerable sections.

The assembly witnessed the tabling of the Rs 4.06 lakh crore interim budget for 2026-27, with the Chief Minister dismissing criticism of the state's fiscal management and highlighting responsible governance ahead of the imminent assembly elections.