New Delhi: Everyone eyed on the Union Budget 2023 which was finally presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday.
While the Centre claimed that Indian economy is on the right track, and despite a time of challenges, heading towards a bright future, leaders of Opposition parties called it disappointing by levelling it with different titles such as “Sapno Ka Saudgar” and “fancy announcements.
Recently-elected MP from Manipuri and dughter-in-law of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, reacted to the Union Budget. She accused that the budget was more election-oriented than to be focused on Railways and employment.
She said, “It is a Budget presented keeping the elections in mind, while some relaxations given to the middle class. Government has not said anything about MSP for farmers, employment and youth. Railways also ignored in this budget. It has been a disappointing budget.”
Mehbooba Mufti, chief of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said those who managed to come out of the poverty line has been pushed down again as the budget took away the subsidies provided to common people.
“This Budget is the same that had been coming in for last 8-9 yrs. Taxes increased, money not being spent on welfare schemes and subsidies. Tax being collected for some crony capitalists and big businessmen. Public should benefit from taxes but it’s breaking their back,” said Mufti.
“Instead of benefitting them (common people), welfare schemes and subsidies are being scrapped. People who had risen above the poverty level have fallen below the poverty level again,” she added.
Janata Dal (United) MP Rajiv Ranjan said, “There is nothing in Budget 2023. It is like ‘Sapno Ka Saudagar’ – nothing comes true when you wake up after a dream. Also, nothing was mentioned about how to control inflation and unemployment.”
Among these, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted saying that the budget was prepared keeping Assembly elections in mind.
He said, “Budget was presented by Modi government keeping in view the upcoming Assembly polls in 3-4 states… There’s nothing in the budget for poor people and to control inflation. No steps for jobs, to fill government vacancies and MNREGA.
Those Who Are In Favour
However, there are a few among Opposition who appreciated the Budget that includes Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Karti Chidambaram.
While Tharoor was seen completely convinced on the budget, Lok Sabha MP Chidambaram praised the Narendra Modi-led central government for “low tax regime.”
The Thirvananthapuram MP said, “There are some good things in Union Budget 2023 but there was no mention of MNREGA, poor rural labour, employment & inflation. Some fundamental questions remained to be answered.”
“I am a believer in a low tax regime. So, any tax cuts are welcome because giving more money into the hands of the people is the best way to boost the economy,”said Congress leader Karti Chidambaram.
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