Congress youth leader calls state budget a “bundle of paper development,” alleges lack of jobs roadmap, price relief, and farmer-centric provisions
Published on: February 24, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Senior youth leader of the Indian National Congress and former councillor Rishi Shastri has sharply criticized the Chhattisgarh government’s Budget 2026–27, calling it anti-people and disconnected from ground realities. Addressing media persons in Rajnandgaon, Shastri said the budget reflects “propaganda rather than policy” and fails to address key concerns of youth, farmers, and middle-class families.
He alleged that the government has attempted to divert attention from pressing issues through “large claims and inflated figures,” without presenting a concrete roadmap for employment generation or economic relief. According to him, unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the state, yet the budget does not mention a clear recruitment calendar or a structured employment plan.
“Young people do not need announcements — they need appointment letters. The government is doing injustice to their future,” Shastri said, adding that thousands of educated youth continue to struggle for stable employment opportunities.
On the issue of rising prices, he accused the government of ignoring the financial burden on households. He said increasing costs of LPG cylinders, food items, and daily essentials have severely affected common families, but the budget lacks meaningful measures to provide relief. He also questioned the intent behind women-centric schemes, alleging that announcements were being used more for political gains than for genuine welfare outcomes.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/final-electoral-roll-published-in-rajnandgaon-after-special-intensive-revision-drive/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/bjp-governments-liquor-policy-worst-in-the-country-says-congress-district-chief-vipin-yadav/
Shastri further criticized the budget from an agricultural perspective, stating that it remains largely silent on core farmer concerns such as paddy procurement, minimum support price mechanisms, irrigation expansion, and electricity tariffs. He claimed that instead of prioritizing farmers and laborers, the government appears to be focusing more on corporate interests.
“The expectations of farmers and workers have been ignored. Real development cannot happen when those who sustain the rural economy are neglected,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Congress leader described the budget as an example of “paper development,” arguing that it contains numerous promises but lacks practical implementation strategies. He emphasized that genuine progress depends on transparent policies, accountable governance, and people-centric planning rather than publicity campaigns.
Shastri expressed hope that the government would reconsider its priorities and introduce corrective measures to address unemployment, inflation, and agrarian challenges in the interest of the state’s long-term development.
