Mumbai, March 6 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray labeled the Maharashtra budget as a “mirage of development,” asserting it is akin to “setting off firecrackers with borrowed funds” amid the state's alarming financial state.

Thackeray emphasized that the budget primarily serves contractors' interests, while delivering an “elevated highway of deceit” to ordinary citizens.

He dismissed the farm loan waiver as a “false invitation,” contending that while the Chief Minister claims to have alleviated farmers' debts, the reality diverges significantly.

“If there is a genuine desire to assist farmers, they should cease the wordplay surrounding ‘terms and conditions’ and ‘eligible-ineligible.’ Is the government truly planning to forgive loans by 2047?” he questioned.

Former Minister and Shiv Sena UBT member Aaditya Thackeray accused the budget of being tailored for contractors rather than for the people of Maharashtra. He pointed out that a significant portion of the lengthy address was dedicated to policies and announcements for contractors. Furthermore, he criticized the quality of recent construction projects, highlighting issues like the Mira Bhayandar flyover by the MMRDA.

“This is an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ budget where the Chief Minister appears disconnected from reality, relying on outdated policies and pushing everything to 2047. The farm loan waiver is merely a façade. There is a lack of clarity regarding farmers' eligibility, processes, and timelines—unlike the straightforward approach provided by CM Uddhav Thackeray during the MVA in 2020,” he remarked.

Aaditya Thackeray added, “The speech included some humorous claims, such as the intention to plant 300 crore trees. I found this quite amusing considering the BJP government's track record of deforestation. Once again, we’re faced with an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ budget! If the same administration persists, we might need to wait until 2047 for any real progress!”

State Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the government for accumulating a mountain of debt, cautioning that a budget with a deficit of Rs 40,000 crore is steering Maharashtra toward financial ruin.

Sapkal pointed out that while projects like the Bullet Train, Metro, and underground tunnels are being promoted, marginalized groups such as the rural poor, tribals, laborers, women, and the unemployed are overlooked in this budget. He contended that the budget only serves a select few cities and individuals.

He also emphasized that the state spends approximately Rs 65,000 crore each year solely on interest repayments. Despite significant allocations, actual fund utilization is lacking, and he warned that the promise of 75,000 jobs could be as misleading as previous “mega-recruitment” initiatives.

State NCP SP president Shashikant Shinde described the budget as deceptive, filled with promises aimed at 2047 while neglecting pressing issues.

“By including aspirations for the distant future in a budget meant for just one year, the government is misleading the populace. While we do not oppose naming deities or fort restoration, the vision for delivering justice to farmers and the common man, in line with the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is conspicuously absent. Where is the actual financial allocation for the Bullet Train and Metro? This budget merely enhances the toll-collection system,” he commented.