NCP Protests Alleged Anti-Maharashtra Bias in Union Budget

The NCP led a protest in Mumbai accusing the Union Government of discrimination against Maharashtra in the Budget allocations. Despite being the highest tax revenue generator, Maharashtra received no substantial allocations. Opposition leaders also criticized the Centre for ignoring the agricultural sector's needs.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharadchandra Pawar staged a protest in Mumbai on Wednesday, alleging discrimination against Maharashtra in the Union Budget.

NCP workers, spearheaded by city unit president Rakhi Jadhav, waved placards and chanted slogans against the Union government. Jadhav questioned the neglect in allocations, despite Maharashtra being the highest tax revenue generator.

NCP leader Jadhav further speculated whether the Budget snub was due to BJP's poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections in the state. Meanwhile, Swabhimani Party chief Raju Shetti criticized the Centre for prioritizing digital infrastructure over agricultural needs and termed the import of oil seeds and dal as anti-farmer. The concerns were echoed by other Opposition parties, who accused the Centre of favoritism.

However, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed these allegations on Tuesday, asserting that the state was allotted substantial funds in the financial statement.