New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government, criticising its law and order situation and tax policies while responding to the debate on the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha. Her remarks came in rebuttal to allegations raised by Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee.
GST Row and ‘Cut Money’ Jibe
Sitharaman strongly objected to Banerjee’s claim that GST is levied even on incense sticks used in post-death rituals. “It is unfortunate to suggest that GST is collected after death in Bengal,” she said. In a pointed remark, she added that perhaps such statements stem from the prevalence of a “cut money” culture — a reference to alleged illegal commissions — in the state.
The Finance Minister also questioned the Mamata Banerjee-led government over fuel prices. If the state was serious about reducing the burden on common citizens, she said, it should consider cutting petrol prices, which are reportedly around ₹10 higher in West Bengal compared to several other states.
Concerns Over Women’s Safety and ‘Bomb Culture’
Referring to the RG Kar Medical College incident and other cases of violence against women, Sitharaman accused the state government of insensitivity. In an apparent swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, she said it was “disturbing” for a woman chief minister to caution women against venturing out at night due to the risk of sexual assault.
Alleging a deterioration in governance, Sitharaman claimed that West Bengal was being driven not by rule of law but by a “bomb culture,” signalling what she described as a breakdown of law and order.
Budget Priorities: Advancing ‘Viksit Bharat’
Alongside her criticism of the state government, Sitharaman highlighted key features of the Union Budget 2026–27. She stated that effective capital expenditure for the upcoming financial year, including support to states, has been pegged at ₹17.1 lakh crore, amounting to 4.4% of GDP.
The Budget, she said, prioritises investments in artificial intelligence education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure expansion and industrial growth. The Centre is also prepared to work with states on mega textile parks, skilling initiatives and logistics development as part of its broader vision of achieving a “Viksit Bharat.”
Following her reply in the Lok Sabha, the Finance Minister is scheduled to respond to the Budget debate in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
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