In a scathing critique of the Andhra Pradesh government’s recent budget, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has drawn a parallel between the budget and the popular film ‘Drishyam.’ The party’s remarks came during a protest held in Vijayawada, where state secretary V. Srinivas Rao led the charge against what they perceive as a misleading financial plan.
Srinivas Rao argued that the government is boasting about substantial investments and job creation for the youth, claiming that 25% of the country’s investments have come to Andhra Pradesh. However, he countered these claims by asserting that the budget does not reflect such growth or prosperity, calling it contradictory to the government’s narrative.
“This budget feels like a false narrative, akin to putting a band-aid on a wound that continues to fester,” Srinivas Rao expressed, highlighting the discrepancies between the government’s claims and the ground reality. He pointed out that the expected revenues are on the decline and that there has been no significant development over the past two years, despite the government’s assurances.
The CPI(M) leader lamented the lack of concrete figures to support the government’s development claims, stating, “This budget is merely a series of numbers without any real substance. There has been no mention of tenant farmers, and promises of unemployment benefits have remained unfulfilled.” He further criticized the absence of funds dedicated to women’s empowerment, highlighting that the government’s assurances seem to be hollow.
Moreover, Srinivas Rao expressed concern over the allocation of funds, questioning the transparency surrounding the ‘Amrit’ and ‘Smart City’ funds, stating, “It is unclear where these funds are being directed.” He painted a grim picture of Vijayawada, describing the streets as filthy and plagued by mosquitoes, emphasizing that if Vijayawada is in such a state, one can only imagine the conditions in other towns across the state.
The protest organized by the CPI(M) is part of a broader strategy to bring attention to what the party describes as a detrimental budget that undermines the state’s development and exacerbates the challenges faced by the populace. By voicing their discontent in this manner, the CPI(M) aims to galvanize public opinion against what they perceive as a failure of leadership and governance.
As the state continues to grapple with socio-economic issues, the CPI(M)’s vocal opposition to the budget may resonate with the citizens who feel overlooked by the promises of progress. The party’s insistence on accountability and transparency may strike a chord as they push for a more equitable and realistic approach to the state’s financial planning.
