BJP's Bawankule Slams Congress Over Union Budget Criticism

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticized Congress, calling it a 'nautanki' for its opposition to the Union Budget. He praised the budget's focus on Viksit Bharat and warned that opposition might halt development schemes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined key priorities, including employment and skilling.

Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule launched a scathing attack on the Congress for its criticism of the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday. Bawankule labeled the Congress as a 'nautanki,' accusing the party of confusing voters and failing to deliver in the past 55 years.

Bawankule asserted that Congress has only been concerned with Television Rating Points (TRPs) and has neglected development efforts, including building roads and supporting farmers. He also criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, stating Thackeray admitted his lack of understanding of the budget.

In defense of the budget, Bawankule emphasized its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat, highlighting the promise of unprecedented development in Maharashtra under the 'double-engine' government. He claimed that if the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi came to power, they would halt beneficial schemes like the 'Ladli Behna Scheme.'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history by presenting her seventh consecutive Union Budget, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record. The budget focuses on productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment skills, inclusive development, social justice, manufacturing, infrastructure, and next-generation reforms.

Sitharaman's budget introduces significant income-tax reforms, aiming to simplify tax laws and stimulate economic growth. She has proposed creating employment for 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, and plans to skill 20 lakh youth over the same period, upgrading 1,000 industrial training institutes.

(With inputs from agencies.)