- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
- BJP Leaders Laud Budget as Inclusive and Innovative.
- Opposition Expresses Disappointment.
- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav characterized the budget as the Narendra Modi government’s farewell budget.
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the budget as one of the shortest on record.
As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, opinions on its merit diverged sharply between leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and members of the Opposition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders praised the budget, hailing it as inclusive and innovative. PM Modi stated that it guarantees the strengthening of the foundation of a developed India, empowering the youth, poor, women, and farmers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the roadmap for achieving PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, while Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the vision for a confident, strong, and self-reliant Bharat.
BJP president JP Nadda labeled the housing scheme announced in the budget as a revolutionary step, laying the foundation for a developed India. He mentioned key focuses on poverty alleviation, a raised target for Lakhpati Didi, global outreach for the MSME sector, and a spotlight on tourism and renewable energy.
In contrast, members of the Opposition voiced disappointment. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the budget as one of the shortest on record, with little concrete implementation. Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed concern over the increasing fiscal deficit, citing over ₹18 lakh crore as the unfunded extent of the Union Budget.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav characterized the budget as the Narendra Modi government’s farewell budget, criticizing its alleged lack of development focus. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi noted a stark disparity between the government’s promises and actions, claiming the budget fell short of expectations for the poor, women, and youth.
The mixed reactions underscore the polarized perceptions of Budget 2024, with the ruling party praising its innovation and inclusivity, while the Opposition deems it disappointing and hollow.
(With inputs from agencies)
