NEW DELHI
The opposition has termed the union Budget as an election budget of the BJP. Talking to media outside Parliament, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described the budget as poor one and said people will not be benefitted out of it.
Another Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the budget announcement related to the farmers. He, however, appreciated announcement on tax exemption for middle class.
Majid Menon of the NCP alleged that the budget has been brought keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
P. Karunakaran of CPM said the government which has only three months left have made tall promises in the budget.
Jai Prakash Narayan of RJD said, the budget has nothing substantial for providing employment to youth and women empowerment.
Chidambaram describes interim budget as election campaign speech
Former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram has described the interim budget as an election campaign speech.
Addressing media in New Delhi this afternoon, Mr Chidambaram quipped that it was not a Vote on Account but an Account for Votes.
He said the government missed Fiscal Deficit target for 2018-19. He also said that education and jobs did not find mention in the Budget, alleging that the government has let down the youth.
Union Ministers laud Budget terming it as progressive, visionary and dynamic
Several Union Ministers have lauded the Union Budget terming it as progressive, visionary and dynamic. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the budget has taken care of every section of the society.
Another Union Minister Suresh Prabhu described the budget as comprehensive and holistic. Power Minister R K Singh termed the budget as a surgical strike on the opposition.
Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the budget is in the interest of farmers, middle class, SC, STs and other section of the society.
Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar also termed the budget as visionary and progressive.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajya Vardhan Rathore said, the budget is for the growth of the nation and it will give a push to the infrastructure development.