Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut have both criticized the Union Budget 2025, calling it a politically motivated document rather than a genuine effort to address the nation’s economic needs.
Jitendra Awhad’s Criticism
- Awhad expressed his disappointment with the Union Budget, particularly criticizing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a budget that, according to him, only benefits Maharashtra during election seasons.
- Awhad said, “The budget is beneficial only when there are elections in Maharashtra. Nirmala Sitharaman’s efforts to revive the economy do not seem to be successful.”
- He also hit out at the state government’s decision to discontinue the provision of eggs in mid-day meals for school children, calling it harmful. He argued that eggs are an important source of protein for children’s growth. He quipped, “For taste, they (Mahayuti) should know whether eating sweets like basundi and jalebi is harmful or not.”
- Awhad had previously protested against this move by presenting eggs to the Thane District Magistrate on January 31.
Sanjay Raut’s Allegations
- Sanjay Raut, too, criticized the budget, accusing the Modi government of using every budget as an election package.
- “Election is due in Bihar, and Modi government’s every budget is an election package. This time, because there is an election in Bihar, they have allocated the maximum amount to the state,” Raut said.
- Raut pointed to the Bihar-centric provisions in the budget, including the development of Greenfield airports and expansion of Patna Airport. He also mentioned the Western Kosi Canal ERM project to help farmers in Bihar, suggesting that these measures were politically motivated to win votes in Bihar ahead of the state elections.
Bihar Focus in Union Budget
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech, emphasized multiple projects for Bihar, including the development of new airports and the expansion of the Patna Airport. She also announced financial support for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in the Mithilanchal region to aid over 50,000 hectares of farmland.
- The focus on Bihar’s infrastructure and agriculture projects has drawn attention due to the state elections scheduled later this year, fueling opposition claims that the government is using the budget for political gain.
Both leaders from Maharashtra have expressed concerns about the government’s priorities, pointing out that the budget’s focus on specific states and the timing of certain provisions suggests political strategizing rather than a comprehensive approach to national economic revival.