West Bengal Finance Minister Criticizes Previous Government's Budget Management
West Bengal's Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta has highlighted the difficulties in preparing the state's budget, attributing them to the previous government's mismanagement. He emphasized the need to restore trust among the business community and focus on the economic upliftment of North Bengal, an area historically neglected. The minister outlined ongoing consultations with stakeholders to ensure their concerns are addressed. He expressed optimism that the upcoming budget will significantly change the state's atmosphere and improve local conditions. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also reiterated commitments to development projects in the region, aiming to meet the expectations of its residents.
| Jun 11, 2026, 17:50 IST
Challenges in Budget Preparation for West Bengal
Describing the budget formulation process in West Bengal as a challenging task, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta criticized the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration for leaving behind an "almost empty treasury." Speaking to a news outlet, he noted that the previous government's missteps have led to a loss of trust among the business community towards the government. He emphasized that the upcoming budget will primarily focus on improving the economic conditions in North Bengal, an area that has historically been considered "underdeveloped."
Addressing Community Concerns
Dasgupta stated that it is crucial to be sensitive to the issues faced by communities in North Bengal rather than merely addressing every concern. He reiterated that crafting the budget is a complex endeavor due to the nearly depleted treasury inherited from the previous administration. The challenge of restoring confidence among the business sector is also a priority, and specific measures have been outlined to achieve this.
Engagement with Stakeholders
Discussing the budget preparation process, he mentioned that ongoing consultations are taking place with all stakeholders, and the entire finance department has been summoned to Siliguri. The minister highlighted that the budget formulation involves consulting with all stakeholders in West Bengal. There has been a longstanding sentiment in North Bengal that it has been overlooked, and the decision was made to bring the entire finance department to Siliguri to engage with local organizations and gather their feedback. He expressed hope that this budget would play a significant role in transforming the overall atmosphere in the state.
Anticipating Positive Changes
He remarked that the general atmosphere in West Bengal is set to change, and he is optimistic that the budget will contribute to this transformation. Earlier in May, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari noted that North Bengal has consistently supported the BJP. He reiterated the promises made in the party's manifesto, which include establishing AIIMS, IIT, and cancer hospitals in the region. During his first visit to North Bengal after taking office, Chief Minister Adhikari stated that his government would work to meet the expectations of the local populace through regular monitoring of development plans and continuous dialogue with the people.