State’s interests ignored: Cong

Shimla, July 5

The Congress said the Centre had once again ignored the interest of Himachal as the hill state had neither been given any financial package nor any funds for expansion of rail network.

HPCC president Kuldeep Rathore condemned the Modi-led BJP regime for not giving due attention to the specific needs of Himachal, which, as a hilly state, had peculiar needs in view of geographical constraints.

He said this time the people of the state had high expectations as Union Minister for State for Finance Anurag Thakur and BJP national president JP Nadda belong to Himachal. He said the budget was disappointing as it was directionless.

The BJP on the other hand lauded Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a Budget which was revolutionary as it had a lot for the benefit of the poor sections of society. “The budget will undoubtedly give an impetus to development and help India establish itself as a super power,” said Satti.

He said the entire thrust of the budget was “Rural India” as a provision of Rs 87,000 crore had been made for rural areas. He said the decision to encourage people to pay tax was laudable. — TNS