*Budget session ends without debate, replaced by MLAs' entertainment programs*

Tadepalli, March 7: YSRCP MLA Tatiparti Chandrasekhar strongly condemned the NDA government for concluding the budget session without any comprehensive discussion on the budget, while alliance MLAs indulged in entertainment programs including dances, skits, songs, games, cricket matches, and badminton on the final day. Speaking to the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, he accused the ruling coalition of deliberately creating this spectacle to divert attention from the budget's glaring failures and massive shortcomings.
He described the budget as thoroughly disappointing and nothing more than a game of numbers, leaving the people who eagerly awaited welfare schemes completely let down. During the YSRCP regime under YS Jagan, budgets brought a flood of schemes that benefited the public, but now the situation has reversed with cuts in pensions and empty promises in the budget. The government tops the list in borrowings but is an utter flop in development. State tax growth ranks only 22nd among 23 states, while the ruling TDP claims over 11% GSDP growth, yet CAG figures show it at just 1.97%. Even compared to the Centre, where tax revenue grew by 6.94% alongside 8% GDP growth, the state's claims appear inconsistent and questionable.
The revenue deficit stands at a staggering 3.75%, exceeding the FRBM limit of 2.7%, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 5.05% against the mandated 4%. Capital expenditure has dropped by 16% compared to the previous year, with no discussion allowed on these critical issues. Instead of debating the budget's flaws, the assembly witnessed retro dances, chorus songs, cricket matches, badminton courts, and mythological skits, turning the house into a festival ground rather than a serious legislative body. When public problems like illicit liquor deaths arise, Minister Lokesh plays cricket; when firecracker blasts kill people, he attends a wedding, showing complete disregard for the people's suffering.
Chandrasekhar highlighted the attack on the Legislative Council Chairman based on religion, an unprecedented low in the country's history, questioning whether Christianity is a curse, sin, crime, or horror. He asserted that the YSRCP government won with people's strength, while the current one won with money power, and public affection surges like a tidal wave for YSRCP when they go among the people. The ruling side resorts to provocative remarks in the assembly, insulting former Chief Minister YS Jagan through skits, inciting religious hatred, lacking patriotism or devotion to God.
Unemployment has doubled from 4.1% at the end of the YSRCP term in 2024 to 8.2% now, raising doubts about the government's job creation claims. No allocations have been made for any welfare schemes, leaving nothing to discuss for public welfare. Despite Chandrababu Naidu's long political experience and plans to enter national politics, his governance has seen 16% more borrowings than the previous year, with over Rs. 85,000 crore added in just one year. The CAG has thoroughly exposed the government's lack of financial discipline and failures. Chandrasekhar urged the Chief Minister to stop the comedy shows and start working for the people at least now.