Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Union Budget 2025, calling them "politically motivated" and accusing the Congress leader of having "zero knowledge" about the country's economy. Sarma responded to Gandhi's mockery of the budget, where the Congress leader referred to it as a "band-aid for bullet wounds" and claimed that the government lacked the ideas necessary to address the economic crisis.
Sarma defended the budget, emphasizing that it contains several measures designed to spur economic growth, particularly for the middle class. He pointed to the significant tax reforms, including a complete tax rebate on income up to Rs 12 lakh, as a major benefit for middle-class taxpayers. Sarma further criticized Congress for not recognizing the relief provided to the middle class and argued that the Union Finance Minister had addressed issues that Congress could not solve during its 60 years in power, such as increasing the income tax relief slab beyond Rs 5 lakh.
The Assam Chief Minister highlighted specific provisions in the budget that would benefit Assam and the northeastern states, calling the budget "historic" for the region. He noted increased allocations for disaster relief, energy projects, and skilling initiatives, which would contribute to the state’s economic and social development. Sarma also emphasized the budget’s focus on strengthening micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs, which he sees as crucial for Assam’s growth.
Meanwhile, the Congress party remained critical of the budget, claiming it failed to address the economic challenges and "illnesses" the country is facing. They alleged that the BJP-led government had no new ideas and was following a "worn-out path" rather than making bold reforms like those undertaken in 1991 and 2004.
