Amit Mitra Slams Union Budget: "Anti-Poor, Anti-Middle Class, Data Not Credible"

• Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Adviser to West Bengal CM, criticized the Union Budget as "anti-poor, anti-farmer, and anti-middle class."
• He highlighted sharp reductions in social sector allocations, including education and fertilizer subsidies, compared to 2015-16 levels.
• Mitra pointed out declining expenditure for weaker sections (SC, ST, OBC, minorities) and questioned the credibility of Budget figures due to gaps between estimates and actual spending.
• He cited examples from Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) where actual spending was significantly lower than initial estimates.
• Mitra also expressed skepticism about new freight corridor projects, citing delays in existing ones, and criticized the Budget for failing to address capital outflows and unemployment.

Why It Matters: Amit Mitra strongly criticized the Union Budget for reduced social spending, unreliable data, and neglecting key sectors.