Opposition parties in the Punjab Assembly walked out on Saturday as Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal presented the Budget for 2018-’19. The Shiromani Akali Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party left the House, calling the Budget directionless and a sham, IANS reported.
The state finance minister unveiled a Rs 1.29 lakh crore Budget, promising a farm loan waiver of Rs 4,250 crore, and earmarked Rs 1,235 crore for welfare schemes for members of the Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes in the state. He also set aside Rs 2,000 crore to repair 16,000 kilometres of road, and announced a Rs 200 per month tax on individuals to be known as the Punjab Development Tax.
The legislators of the Shiromani Akali Dal and AAP accused the Congress government of failing to deliver on its promises, including a complete loan waiver for farmers. Akali Dal members led by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal protested in the well of the Assembly, demanding that the government announce the full loan waiver of Rs 90,000 crore.
Former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa said Manpreet Singh Badal had manipulated and suppressed the Budget figures.
AAP rejected the Congress’s Budget, claiming that it was an extension of previous budgets presented by the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government.
“They had to do this [walk out]. What did you think, that they would keep sitting?” Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, according to ANI. “In fact, I am surprised that they didn’t wear black cloaks. It would have looked nice on them.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!