"Punjab CM is using state's security for Arvind Kejriwal": BJP MP Jagdambika Pal

Siddharthnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 2 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal slammed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday for his comments criticising the Union Budget 2025, stating that the Punjab CM should take a closer look at the budget rather than using Punjab's fund to have security for Arvind Kejriwal.
His remarks come amidst CM Mann's claim that the recently announced Union Budget has "once again ignored the youth and farmers of Punjab."
"Bhagwant Mann should worry about the law and order situation in Punjab. He is using Punjab's security for Arvind Kejriwal. The Govt there is busy with corruption. If he will see the budget, he would understand the work done for the development of Punjab," Jagdambika Pal told ANI.
On February 1, the Punjab CM hit out at the Union government in a post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the demands of the state have not been met.
"Punjab has once again been ignored in the budget presented by the central government. The central government has not given anything to the farmers and youth of Punjab," read CM Mann's post.
Invoking the demand for giving increased MSP to farmers, his post added, "The centre has neither given MSP to the farmers on crops nor has the state been given any package for the industry. Punjab has not been given anything that can improve its economic condition and future."
Calling the Union Budget an "election budget," he said Bihar has been the focus of various schemes only because of the upcoming assembly election in the state.
"This budget is only an election budget, in which there are announcements only for the state of Bihar. Once again, the central government has treated Punjab and Punjabis step-motherly in the budget. But we will put Punjab on its feet on our strength," he added.
The Union Budget, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Saturday, provided major relief to the salaried class with no income tax on an average monthly income of up to rupees one lakh to boost household savings and consumption with the government also giving thrust to four engines of development - agriculture, MSMEs, investment and exports.
The Finance Minister's announcement on tax relief means that the salaried class will pay nil income tax up to Rs 12.75 lakh. (ANI)