Haryana Opposition MLAs Express Concerns Over Rising Debt and Development Challenges in State Assembly

Concerns about Haryana's rising debt were voiced by Congress and INLD MLAs in the State Assembly. They also highlighted issues in health, education, and drug abuse. Congress MLA Aditya Surjewala criticised the budget for lacking vision despite claims of future readiness. He noted that some proposals, like a flower market in Gurugram, were recycled ideas.

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Surjewala pointed out that the state's debt has surged from Rs 60,293 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 3.92 lakh crore now, marking a 600% increase. He claimed the debt grows by Rs 73 crore daily, equating to Rs 3 crore every hour. Despite this, he argued that visible development is lacking under the BJP government.

Debt Concerns and Development Criticism

Surjewala criticised the BJP for not establishing new power plants or irrigation projects. He stated that Haryana was power surplus under Congress, but capacity has declined since. He also argued that roads built by NHAI shouldn't be counted as state government achievements.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presented a Rs 2.05 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, including Rs 5,000 crore for Lado Lakshmi Yojana. Surjewala claimed this would only assist 20 lakh of the one crore women promised Rs 2,100 monthly aid by BJP.

Opposition's Budget Discontent

INLD MLA Arjun Singh Chautala echoed concerns about rising debt and criticised the lack of measures to address it. Congress member Geeta Bhukkal refuted BJP's claims of regional bias during Bhupinder Singh Hooda's tenure, stating development occurred in south Haryana too.

Bhukkal challenged the government on education, urging a report on school buildings constructed. She suggested naming an institute or scholarship after astronaut Sunita Williams, similar to Karnal's medical college named after Kalpana Chawla.

BJP's Budget Praise

Congress MLA Renu Bala called the budget disappointing, citing doctor and teacher shortages and rampant illegal mining. She highlighted the drug menace affecting children. In contrast, BJP MLAs praised the budget as balanced and developmental.

BJP MLA Dhanesh Adlakha lauded initiatives for gig workers' social security and empowerment. Umed Singh praised plans for Mahila Chaupal in villages and noted improved road networks reducing travel time from Charkhi Dadri to Chandigarh.

Development Initiatives Highlighted

BJP legislator Satpal Jamba described the budget as realistic and balanced. Kanwar Singh termed it historic and development-oriented, claiming equitable development across regions under BJP compared to Congress's focus on Rohtak-Jhajjar.

The discussion reflected contrasting views on Haryana's budget and development trajectory. While opposition members expressed concerns over debt and lack of progress, BJP MLAs highlighted initiatives they believe will drive growth and improve infrastructure.