Nirmala Sitharaman defends budget allocation amid UPA comparison

In a recent address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman robustly defended the budget allocation under the current government, responding to criticisms and comparisons with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. She asserted that the funds are distributed equitably across all states, contrary to accusations of favoritism.

Equitable Distribution of Funds

Sitharaman emphasized that the current government ensures fair distribution of funds to all states. She pointed out that the previous UPA regime had been accused of biased allocation, favoring certain states over others. According to her, the current administration has taken significant steps to rectify such imbalances, ensuring that every state receives its fair share of resources.

Addressing Opposition Allegations

The Finance Minister’s remarks were in response to allegations from opposition parties that the present government favors BJP-ruled states in budget allocations. Sitharaman countered these claims by highlighting the transparency and objectivity in the current allocation process, which is based on the needs and development plans of each state.

Comparison with UPA Era

Drawing a comparison with the UPA era, Sitharaman questioned the opposition’s claims, asking whether funds were truly allocated to all states fairly during that period. She highlighted instances where certain non-Congress-ruled states felt neglected under the UPA government, emphasizing that the current administration aims to avoid such partiality. 

Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that no state is left behind. She mentioned various schemes and initiatives that have been implemented to support states' growth and development, stressing the importance of a balanced and fair approach in fund allocation.