Maharashtra: Opposition Labels Budget 'Deceptive and Unfulfilled'

Synopsis

Maharashtra's opposition parties have criticized the annual budget by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling it hollow and failing to meet the essential needs of the common populace, particularly farmers and women. Key figures express discontent over unmet promises and rising deficits.

Key Takeaways

Opposition claims budget is deceptive.
Financial aid to women beneficiaries remains unchanged.
Farm loan waiver not announced as promised.
Rising state deficits raise concerns.
Focus on contractors over marginalized communities.

Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) The opposition factions in Maharashtra have asserted that the annual budget introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is deceptive, having failed to address the needs of the common people, including farmers and women, lacking any clear direction or policy objectives.

The opposition criticized the state administration for not raising the monthly financial assistance to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500 for women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana and for not fulfilling the promised farm loan waiver as stated in their election manifesto.

Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray described the budget as bogus, arguing it has not delivered on welfare commitments made during the assembly elections. He expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the government's strategy to offer guarantees to sugar mills while neglecting to settle the outstanding dues of Rs 16,000 crore owed to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.

Congress legislature leader Vijay Wadettiwar suggested the government appears to be under substantial financial strain, evident from the finance minister's failure to augment financial support to women beneficiaries and the absence of a farm loan waiver announcement. He accused the administration of crafting a budget that favors contractors while disregarding the needs of Dalits, tribals, and the impoverished.

NCP-SP legislator and former finance minister Jayant Patil commented: "The government unveiled a SEVEN HEAVEN (Dream Castle Builder) budget, mocking the ordinary citizens.

"Maharashtra's revenue deficit has escalated from an anticipated Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 45,892 crore. Last year's deficit was revised from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 26,536 crore. This indicates the total deficit could reach Rs 60,000 crore. Furthermore, the fiscal deficit has surged from Rs 1,10,000 crore to Rs 1,36,000 crore today, with projections suggesting it may exceed Rs 1.5 lakh crore," he explained. "While there are plans for numerous bridges and tunnels for motorists, the common, poor, and middle-class individuals who rely on ST buses and trains have been entirely overlooked," he added.

The opposition leader in the state council Ambadas Danve accused the government of deceiving the beloved sisters and farmers by failing to meet election promises. He noted the lack of provisions for the Marathwada Watergrid project and criticized the finance minister for not specifying when the river linking initiatives will commence.

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal stated: "There is financial chaos in the state, with debts surpassing eight lakh crore rupees and expenditures exceeding income. The BJP-led coalition government, which claims Maharashtra will not halt progress, seems to be plunging the state into debt and steering it towards bankruptcy."