The Assembly saw stormy scenes on Thursday as members of the ruling Trinamul Congress exchanged words with the Opposition as BJP MLAs strongly objected to finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya's reference to the Centre's "neglect" in disbursing funds.

The BJP legislators continued their tirade against the state government even before the speech began.

When Speaker Biman Banerjee instructed all MLAs to stand for the state anthem,
"Banglar mati, Banglar Jol", the BJP legislators stood up but unexpectedly began singing the National Anthem. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had to intervene, reminding them that the National Anthem was sung at the end of any event and cautioned BJP MLAs from treating the Assembly as their party office.

Mamata in January announced Rabindranath Tagore's "Banglar mati, Banglar Jol" as the State Anthem. It is now mandatory for it to be played at the start of all state government functions and the National Anthem at the end.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said: “There cannot be two anthems in a country. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari there is only one National Anthem and Trinamul is trying to divide the country. We will protest whenever there is anything anti-national”.

Bhattacharya's budget speech was disrupted several times as BJP legislators protested whenever she mentioned the Centre was withholding MGNREGS funds. Speaker Biman Banerjee requested the BJP MLAs to calm down and speak at their allotted hours but the chaos continued.

Mamata later said: “Chandrima faced numerous obstructions during her speech. This is disrespectful. Even during the rendition of the State Anthem, they (BJP MLAs) not only abstained from participating but also stirred chaos. We are genuinely shocked and dismayed by their actions”.

Leaders of various Opposition parties termed the budget aimless and accused the state government of dole politics to "buy" votes.

Adhikari said: "This budget lacks direction, serving only as a ploy to secure votes.... There is no scope for industrialisation or employment in the budget. While we have no qualms about people receiving financial benefits, the additional benefit for women is a mere Rs 500, women from the SC/ST category will get only Rs 200 more. This is a blatant insult to women. The salary of civic police has been increased by meagre Rs 1,000 after 11 years. We believe they should get Rs 20,000."

Adhikari said the people of the hills, Jungle Mahal, Sunderbans, minorities, and farmers had been overlooked in the budget. Later, Adhikari had words with Trinamul supporters celebrating the 4 per cent DA hike.

CPM leader Md Salim said: “This budget has no significance. These announcements can be a part of her political speech and nothing else.”

Congress leader Samir Aich said: “She has announced a bounty for the election but where is the resource? There is no mention of that in the budget. Our GDP is reducing every day but this budget doesn’t speak about it."