Union Budget Sparks Partisan Reactions: Maharashtra in Focus

The Union Budget was praised by the BJP and its allies for focusing on youths, farmers, women, and allocating significant funds to Maharashtra. However, opposition parties criticized it, claiming bias against Maharashtra and favoritism towards BJP's allies in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra's politicians remain divided over the budget's impact.

The BJP and its allies on Tuesday hailed the Union Budget for its focus on youths, farmers, and women, along with substantial allocations for Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the opposition slammed the financial statement, alleging it ignored the western state and aimed to please BJP's partners in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced income tax relief for the middle class, a Rs 2 lakh crore outlay for job creation schemes over the next five years, and significant spending for states governed by BJP allies. Presenting her seventh budget, Sitharaman allocated Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural development and maintained infrastructure spending at Rs 11.11 lakh crore to spur economic growth.

Maharashtra's BJP lauded the budget ahead of state elections, while opposition leaders criticized it as neglecting the state's needs. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized budget allocations and infrastructure investments, countering claims of bias. However, opposition forces like Aaditya Thackeray and the NCP accused the budget of partiality favoring other states.