New Delhi, Mar 27 (Reporter) Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday strongly condemned the general budget for the financial year 2025-26, arguing that it lacks provisions to address rising inflation and unemployment.They also accused the government of discriminating against states and expressed concerns that the increase in tariffs by the United States would negatively impact the country's economy.Congress member and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, while initiating the debate on the Appropriation (No.3) Bill 2025, said although the budget was presented eight weeks ago, it has not been discussed anywhere. He said, “Wherever I go, wherever I speak, no one remembers the budget, no one discusses it.” He said, "On fiscal policy, I would like to highlight that when this government assumed office in May 2014, the fiscal deficit at the end of the previous year was 4.5 percent, according to their official numbers. In the middle of this government's tenure, the FD improved to 3.4 percent in 2018-19. But at the end of 2024–25, it will be 4.8 percent. So, effectively, the country's economy is back to where it started". “The government, of course, will say COVID happened, and I agree—COVID did dent the economy of the country. But every government faces crises. Despite global economic growth, domestic economic activities have experienced a slowdown," he said. He stated that while inflation and unemployment continue to trouble common people and youth, the budget has reduced allocations for education and healthcare. The country is experiencing salary stagnation, causing even employed individuals to struggle with inflation. He said that protectionism is detrimental to the economy and unfavourable for global trade. Referring to US President Donald Trump's announcement to raise taxes on Indian products starting April 2, he noted that despite the budget lowering tariffs on several American products, Trump remains unwilling to compromise. He said the government has announced the removal of the Google tax starting tomorrow and is also planning to lower duties on several other products. This will result in economic losses for the country, while the increase in duties in the US will also impact imports. He said while Canada has strongly opposed Trump's tariff hikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained silent on the matter. He urged the government to brief the Opposition on its plans to address Trump's announcements, cautioning that the tariff war could escalate into a trade war. BJP's RPN Singh stated that the budget aims to put money in the pockets of common people to increase their purchasing power. The job of the government is not just to fill its treasury. For five years the opposition has been saying only one thing that nothing is being done for the middle class but now when the government has worked for the middle class, it is saying that this is nothing. Income up to Rs 12.75 lakh will be tax-free. Similar decisions will continue to be made during the Modi government's tenure in the coming days, he added. Trinamool Congress's Sagarika Ghosh criticised the budget, stating that the common man's income has seen no real growth over the past decade. She highlighted soaring inflation and, pointing to rising vegetable prices, claimed that Indian workers receive the lowest wages globally. "Where are the good days?" she questioned, adding that while the government speaks about “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” the reality is that the budget for women's welfare has been reduced. Referring to the NDA as the "National Delimitation Alliance," she accused the central government of discriminating between BJP-ruled states and those governed by other parties. She said that a "tsunami" is approaching on April 2 as Trump prepares to impose new taxes. Slamming the government's 'Achhe Din' slogan as mere “Jumla”, she labelled demonetisation a failed policy and described the government as both ineffective and driven by empty slogans. DMK's M Mohammed Abdullah said that inflation and unemployment are increasing due to the policies of this government. The country's economy is crumbling due to financial mismanagement, and MSMEs are bearing the brunt. They require financial assistance, while states are struggling with a financial crisis due to the Modi government. Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha stated that people are taxed from birth to death and must pay for all facilities. He emphasised that the government should utilize public tax revenues effectively, noting that even vaccines administered before birth are subject to GST. Biju Janata Dal's Sasmit Patra said that the budget should fulfil the aspirations of the people. Odisha needs special attention. This state often suffers from natural disasters. He said that to strengthen the economy, the state should be given the right to plan as per its own wishes. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy of Trinamool Congress said that the sharing of revenue between the centre and the states should be rational. Welfare work is going on in the states and they also need revenue. Ayodhya Rami Reddy Ala of YSRCP demanded expansion of industrial infrastructure in the country. Referring to the delay in completion of some projects, he said that completing them on time will accelerate the country's development. Congress's Renuka Chowdhury expressed concern over the increasing incidents of suicide due to the financial crisis. She alleged that the budget of 47 departments has been slashed...////...