Darjeeling, February 6, 2026 – Darjeeling MP Shri Raju Bista has sharply criticized the West Bengal interim budget, labeling it a “Kamikaze Budget” that he claims will accelerate the state’s economic decline. In a detailed critique, Bista argued that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has prioritized short-term welfare schemes over long-term fiscal health, masking a deepening financial crisis. While the state projects a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹21.48 lakh crore, the MP pointed to a staggering projected fiscal deficit of ₹62,424 crore and a revenue deficit of ₹21,759 crore for the 2026-27 financial year.
The MP highlighted the state’s heavy reliance on debt to sustain its ₹4.06 lakh crore budget, noting that the government plans to borrow ₹105,387 crore from the markets in the coming fiscal year. According to Bista, more than 25 percent of the state’s total expenditure is now being funded through borrowing, a trend that he believes is pushing West Bengal toward severe financial distress. He noted that the fiscal deficit has risen consistently over the last five years, growing from approximately ₹49,966 crore in FY 2022-23 to the current projections.
A major portion of Bista’s criticism focused on the disparity in fund allocations. He highlighted that while ₹57,131.61 crore was earmarked for Minority Affairs and Madarsa education, only ₹920.13 crore was allocated for the development of North Bengal, a region comprising eight districts and nearly three crore citizens. Additionally, only ₹1,483.97 crore has been set aside for Industry, Commerce, and Enterprises. Bista characterized these figures as a reflection of “appeasement politics” that neglects industrial growth and regional development.
Bista also questioned the government’s ability to fund widespread freebies while simultaneously claiming in the Supreme Court that it lacked the funds to pay Dearness Allowance (DA) to state employees. He warned that the cost of these schemes would eventually fall on citizens through increased taxes and utility tariffs. Contrasting the current administration’s approach with his own party’s vision, Bista stated that while the TMC offers monthly cash handouts, the BJP has committed to filling 10 lakh vacant government posts within six months of coming to power, urging the youth of Bengal to prioritize long-term employment over immediate subsidies.
