Fadnavis Defends Budget, Rebuts Opposition's 'Negative Narrative'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the opposition of creating a 'negative narrative' against the Union Budget despite substantial allocations for the state. He countered criticism from Shiv Sena and Congress leaders, emphasizing significant budget provisions for Maharashtra’s infrastructure projects and urging a thorough budget review before reacting.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday accused the opposition of attempting to construct a 'negative narrative' despite 'substantial allocations' in the Union Budget for the western state.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis alleged that opposition parties had pre-prepared their reactions to the Budget in an effort to malign the Central government. He pointed out that the Budget includes significant provisions for Maharashtra and advised the opposition to examine it thoroughly before reacting.

Fadnavis's comments came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who had accused the Budget of bias against Maharashtra, the largest taxpayer in the country. Fadnavis also criticized Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Vijay Wadettiwar for claiming the apprenticeship programme in the Budget was copied from the Congress manifesto, suggesting they should welcome rather than criticize it.

(With inputs from agencies.)