Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha intensified his criticism of the BJP-led NDA government over the Union Budget 2024-25, stating that Indian citizens pay taxes comparable to those in England but receive services akin to those in Somalia.
Chadha remarked that the BJP’s failure to secure a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with only 240 seats, was a result of the public imposing an “18% GST” on the government.
Participating in the budget debate, Chadha said, “In 2019, the BJP had 303 seats in Lok Sabha, but in 2024, the public imposed 18% GST and gave them only 240 seats. The main reasons for their plight are economic failures.” He illustrated this by explaining the tax burden on a common man: “If a person earns Rs 10, they pay Rs 3 in income tax, Rs 2-2.50 in GST, Rs 2 in capital gains tax, and Rs 1-1.50 in other charges, leaving them with only Rs 2-3. Despite this heavy taxation, what does the common man gain? We pay taxes like England but get services like Somalia.”
Chadha further alleged that the Budget 2024 has managed to displease all sections of society. He quipped, “Typically, some sections are pleased and others are disappointed with the budget. This time, the government has disappointed everyone, including BJP supporters. Over the last 10 years, they have burdened citizens with heavy taxes.”
In his speech, Chadha offered an analysis of why the BJP lost seats in the elections and provided suggestions to the government. He emphasised that economic issues, particularly rural income and inflation, food inflation and unemployment, were the primary reasons for the BJP’s defeat.
He highlighted that rural income growth is at a decadal low, food inflation is around 9% and unemployment rates are alarmingly high in both organised and unorganised sectors.
Chadha concluded by stressing the need for better economic management, urging the government to address these critical issues.
(With inputs from ANI)