Budget 2024: Opposition dubs it “Kursi bachao budget”, Party leaders called it “Neenv for Viksit Bharat”

After Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on July 23, political leaders quickly shared their diverse opinions on the Budget.

PM Modi hails Union Budget 2024: “We have to make entrepreneurs in every town, village, house”

“I congratulate the citizens on the budget which will take the country to new heights of development. This budget is a budget to strengthen every section of the society. This is a budget of continuity of empowerment of the new middle class. This budget will take the village, poor and farmers towards prosperity. 25 crore people have risen above poverty in the last 10 years. The Budget will give unlimited new opportunities to the youth. Education and skill will get new scale. This Budget will give new strength to the middle class. It has come with schemes to empower Dalit and backward class. This will ensure women’s financial participation. The MSMEs will get new ways of their development. There is a focus on manufacturing and infrastructure which will give a new pace to financial development. This budget strengthens employment and self-employment”, PM Modi said in a video message.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha: “Kursi Bachao Budget”

Rahul Gandhi lambasted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget, asserting that it aims to placate the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allies and their wealthy benefactors. He labelled the budget as a “Kursi Bachao” budget, implying it was designed to secure political power rather than address the needs of the common people.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor: “An Underwhelming Budget”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the Budget as “underwhelming,” criticizing the lack of focus on issues affecting the common man, such as MNREGA and income improvement measures. He noted that addressing income disparity and job creation received minimal attention, though he welcomed the abolition of the angel investor tax, a recommendation he had made years ago.

TMC Leader Kalyan Banerjee: “Kursi Bachao Budget”

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the BJP of using the Budget to favor its political allies, calling it a “kursi bachao” (saving seats) budget. He highlighted the absence of provisions for Bengal and claimed the BJP was targeting states ruled by its coalition partners to secure its position.

Kangana Ranaut: Happy with the Budget

Actor-turned-politician and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut expressed satisfaction with the Budget, particularly the promised relief fund for Himachal Pradesh, reflecting her support for the government’s financial measures.

Akhilesh Yadav: “What’s in It for Uttar Pradesh?”

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Budget for neglecting the youth and farmers of Uttar Pradesh. He questioned the development measures for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, suggesting they were politically motivated, and emphasized the need for permanent jobs and better support for farmers.

Jyotiraditya Scindia: “A Futuristic Budget”

Lok Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia lauded the Union Budget 2024 as forward-looking, asserting that it would help India achieve self-reliance and support long-term development goals.

Giriraj Singh: “A Balanced Budget with a Super Package for Bihar”

Union Minister Giriraj Singh praised the Budget for its balanced approach, emphasizing its four pillars: women, youth, farmers, and the poor. He highlighted the “super package” allocated to Bihar, showcasing the government’s commitment to the state.