Rahul has zero knowledge on the country’s economy : Himanta

way2barak, February 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slammed Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Union Budget, claiming that the Congress leader has “zero knowledge” of the economy. He asserted that the latest union budget would drive the country’s growth and urged the Congress to assess its benefits for the middle class instead of merely criticising it.

The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, introduced several initiatives to revitalise the economy, including tax reforms such as a complete tax rebate on income up to Rs 12 lakh, benefiting middle-class taxpayers.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, mocked the budget, calling it a “band-aid for bullet wounds!”.

“Amid global uncertainty, solving our economic crisis demanded a paradigm shift. But this government is bankrupt of ideas,” he said.

Hitting out at the Congress leader over these remarks, the Assam Chief Minister said, “Congress shouldn’t criticise this budget at all; they should see how much relief has been granted to the middle class.

“Even after ruling our country for 60 years, they couldn’t increase the income tax relief slab beyond Rs 5 lakh. Today, the Union Finance Minister has not only exempted the middle class–both lower middle class and upper middle class–but also addressed various technologies and reduced the prices of several cancer medicines. These comments are politically motivated and reflect Rahul Gandhi’s complete lack of knowledge about the country’s economy,” the BJP leader said.

Specifically mentioning the announcements for Assam and other north-eastern states, Sarma called it a “historic day”.

“Today’s Viksit Bharat Budget 2025 brings with it a new energy that will fuel Assam’s growth trajectory, provide a new thrust for our entrepreneurs, strengthen our Kisan and plantation economy and fulfil the aspirations of the middle class,” he said in a statement.

He further opined that the Union Budget has sent a clear message that establishes the state’s micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs as the growth engine of the nation’s economy.

“The income tax exemption upto 12 lakh is excellent news for middle class homes in Assam and across the country. This brings more money into the hands of our people, boosts their savings and helps grow the economy,” he noted.

Additionally, increased allocations for disaster relief and energy projects, along with a focus on skilling and innovation, will accelerate the state’s economic and social development, the Assam Chief minister said.

Meanwhile, the Congress said that the Union Budget has nothing to address the “illnesses” which it claimed the economy was suffering from. Alleging that the BJP-led Centre has “no new ideas”, the Congress said the Finance Minister is walking on the “worn-out path” and not willing to break free as its governments had done in 1991 and 2004.