Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the General Budget will accelerate development and it has addressed the aspirations of all. He said Finance Minister has presented an excellent budget devoted to well-being of the villages, farmers, poor and the youth.
Modi said the aim of the Government is to double the income of farmers. He said special emphasis has been given on women empowerment and added that the Housing sector will immensely gain from the Budget. He also said the merger of the Railway Budget with the general budget will give an impetus to the transport sector’s growth.
However, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said the Budget lacks vision and there is nothing in it for farmers. He said his party support moves for curbing corruption in political funding.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of big reforms aimed at farmers, he said that the Government wanted to make an impact with budget before polls, but there was no impact. He felt that it should have announced something big for farmers.
Saying that Union Finance Minister made a “good speech”, Rahul however added that job creation found no mention in the budget. Speaking on railways, Rahul said the safety record under this government is “very bad”.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi termed the General Budget as pro poor and pro farmers. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu hailed the budget as path breaking, saying that a new era has begun.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the Budget is pro rich and pro corporates. On political funding limit in the Budget, Mr Kharge said his party believes in transparency. CPI leader Atul Anjan said the budget is anti-poor.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari reiterated Rahul’s comments saying that the budget was “rhetorical” and had “precious little” in terms of job creation.
BJD leader B Mahtab said the rosy picture portrayed by the government may not be achieved due to lack of growth and the manner in which manufacturing sector growth is coming down. He said greater investment is being made in infrastructure and emphasis has been given on rural development.
