Kolkata, Feb 5 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that the interim budget tabled by her government in the assembly is "pro-people" and shows fiscal discipline, "unlike the directionless and rudderless" Union Budget.

Speaking at a post-budget press conference, Banerjee said the state government prioritised the welfare of ordinary people despite what she termed as "sustained financial deprivation" by the Centre.

"Our budget is pro-people, not directionless and rudderless like the Union Budget," the chief minister said, adding that the state managed its finances prudently while continuing to expand social welfare measures.

Alleging that West Bengal had been denied its legitimate dues by the Centre, Banerjee said the state government, nevertheless, ensured that development and welfare schemes were not compromised.

"Despite the state being financially deprived by the Centre, we have brought in a pro-people budget," she said, underscoring that allocations have been made with a focus on women, youth, workers and vulnerable sections.

Rejecting criticism over the state's fiscal management, the chief minister said the budget reflected financial discipline and responsible governance.

"Our budget reflects financial discipline," Banerjee said, maintaining that the government had balanced welfare spending with fiscal prudence.

The West Bengal Assembly, earlier in the day, witnessed the tabling of the interim budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore for the 2026-27 fiscal, ahead of the assembly elections due in less than three months. PTI PNT SMY PNT ACD

Bengal interim budget emphasises pro-people welfare and fiscal discipline, totalling Rs 4.06 lakh crore ahead of elections. The West Bengal interim budget for 2026-27 is described as a pro-people plan that pairs targeted welfare allocations for women, youth, workers and vulnerable groups with asserted fiscal discipline. Despite alleging deprivation of legitimate central dues, the state maintained development and social spending and tabled an interim estimate of Rs 4.06 lakh crore ahead of upcoming elections.