Chandigarh:The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Saturday strongly criticised the Union Budget, alleging that it has once again failed to address the concerns of the state, its farmers, youth, industry and economy, and reflects continued discrimination by the Centre against Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the Budget offers no legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, no employment assurance for youth, and no meaningful relief for industry or taxation. He alleged that the Centre has taken no concrete steps to strengthen Punjab’s economy and continues to treat the state unfairly. Mann said that despite repeated neglect, Punjabis are hardworking and resilient and will unite to rebuild the state on their own.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Budget has ignored the legitimate concerns of farmers from Punjab and Haryana. He pointed out that there has been no increase in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and no support for strengthening mandi infrastructure. Cheema also criticised the selective promotion of high-value crops, stating that crops suited to North Indian agro-climatic conditions have been ignored. He said Punjab’s farmers feed the nation but continue to be neglected.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian termed the Budget a major disappointment for farmers, stating that there is no roadmap for MSP beyond wheat and rice, no concrete support for crop diversification and no relief package for farmers affected by repeated floods. He said the Centre has once again turned its back on the country’s Annadatas.

AAP Minister Aman Arora said the Union Budget has brought disappointment to people across the country and accused the BJP-led Centre of continuing step-motherly treatment towards Punjab. He said there is no provision for any new major project for the state, despite Punjab’s historic contributions to the nation.

AAP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal alleged that the Budget reflects gross discrimination against Punjab, with no MSP guarantee, no job assurance for youth and no approval for major development projects. He said that despite Punjab’s sacrifices for the nation, the Centre continues to ignore the state’s needs.

Punjab Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said the Budget has denied Punjab’s farmers their rightful support, with no serious provisions for MSP, crop diversification or protection against natural disasters. Minister Lalchand Kataruchakk also criticised the lack of vision for Punjab’s farmers, stating that there is no welfare direction for a state that fills the nation’s food granary.

Punjab Minister Dr Ravjot said the Centre remains silent on Punjab’s rights and has provided no special assistance for the state despite claims related to health, education and agriculture.

AAP senior leader Neel Garg described the Budget as “big on claims, empty on substance”, stating that farmers, youth, industry and common people have been left disappointed once again. He alleged that while big corporates benefit, Punjab has received no real relief despite flood losses, rising inflation and employment challenges.

AAP leaders collectively asserted that the Union Budget has failed to meet the expectations of Punjab and demanded fair treatment, genuine support for farmers, employment opportunities for youth and meaningful investment in the state’s development.