The opposition collectively criticized the budget for being election-driven, disproportionately favoring Bihar, and neglecting critical national issues such as unemployment, MSP for farmers, infrastructure development, and social welfare schemes.
While some welcomed tax relief for the middle class, they viewed it as a political maneuver rather than a long-term economic strategy.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
1. Shashi Tharoor (Congress) – Tax Cuts vs. Job Creation
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the government’s tax cuts but criticized the budget for failing to address unemployment. He noted that while middle-class taxpayers might benefit from reduced taxes,
He also accused the Modi government of using budget allocations as a tool for election freebies, despite advocating for “one nation, one election.” He pointed out the irony of BJP’s strategy, saying that if they continue this trend, frequent elections may serve to benefit poll-bound states more than the nation as a whole.
2. Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) – Maha Kumbh Tragedy Over Budget Numbers
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed the budget, stating that the deaths during the Maha Kumbh stampede were more important than the government’s fiscal figures.
He also alleged that the government was underreporting the actual death toll and neglecting the concerns of those affected by the tragedy.
3. Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT) – Victory for the Middle Class
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi praised the budget, calling it a victory for the middle class.
She also pointed out the Bihar-centric nature of the budget, joking that if elections were held every year, Bihar might continue to receive special benefits.
