Budget 2024: Reactions Pour In, Opposition Calls it “Useless” and “Disappointing”

New Delhi: In a fiery response to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s presentation of the Union Budget, the Opposition launched a barrage of criticism on Thursday. Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed deep concern over the escalating fiscal deficit, citing an unfunded extent of over 18 lakh crore in the budget. Tewari asserted that this figure is likely to surge further.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot dismissed the budget as interim, labelling it a political statement with no relief for the common man. He emphasized the absence of measures for farmers and youngsters, deeming it more of a political praise event.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav went a step further, deeming the budget “useless” and not geared towards the people. He criticized the BJP government’s decade-long track record of anti-people budgets.

कोई भी बजट अगर विकास के लिए नहीं है और कोई भी विकास अगर जनता के लिए नहीं है तो वो व्यर्थ है।

भाजपा सरकार ने जनविरोधी बजटों का एक दशक पूरा करके एक शर्मनाक रिकार्ड बनाया है, जो फिर कभी नहीं टूटेगा क्योंकि अब सकारात्मक सरकार आने का समय हो गया है।

ये भाजपा का ‘विदाई बजट’ है।

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 1, 2024

During the budget presentation in Parliament, Finance Minister Sitharaman hailed a positive transformation in the Indian economy over the last decade. She underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive development under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas.”

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram dismissed Union Budget 2024 as a mere administrative exercise to fund the government until the new Parliament is constituted. He criticized the self-congratulatory phrases and asserted that the budget lacked substance.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took a swipe at the BJP-led Centre, thanking the finance minister for presenting the last budget with a heavy heart. Thackeray sarcastically noted the government’s realization of the four sets of people: the poor, women, youth, and farmers.

National Conference MP Farooq Abdullah looked ahead to the actual budget in July, expressing hope for benefits to the people, increased tourism, industrial growth, and national progress.

In a succinct response, Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, recently suspended from Mayawati’s party, remarked that nothing new was announced in the budget. DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran echoed a sentiment of disappointment, stating that not much had changed, leaving the people disillusioned.

AAP MP Swati Maliwal labelled the budget as “disappointing,” emphasizing the peak levels of inflation and unemployment in the country. Finance Minister Sitharaman, in presenting the budget, prioritized meeting the needs and aspirations of the four “major castes” – the poor, women, youth, and farmers. Additionally, she announced the formation of a high-powered committee to address challenges stemming from rapid population growth and demographic changes.