Budget Reactions

It has allocated funds for the Marathwada Water Grid, but I question whether this will lead to cuts in previously approved projects. What about water schemes for Sillod, Vaijapur, and Gangapur? I also don’t see the proposed convention centre for Marathwada in the budget.

I find no major provision for industrial growth and no loan waiver for farmers. The government has not fulfilled its promise of Rs 50,000 for loan-repaying farmers. I don’t see the MahaYuti government implementing its election promises.

— MP Dr. Kalyan Kale

This Budget Betrays the Unemployed

I see the middle and lower-middle class struggling as their income declines. Finance minister Pawar claims savings of Rs 1.13 lakh crore in power generation, yet I question why electricity prices continue to rise instead of becoming cheaper. The state government has also refused to cut taxes on petrol and diesel.

I have witnessed self-employed men lose 9.1% of their income, while women’s earnings have dropped by a staggering 32%. Meanwhile, corporate wealth has soared by 22.3%. This budget betrays workers, farmers, and unemployed youth, serving only the top 1% while ignoring the 99%.

— Adv. Abhay Taksal, State Executive Member, CPI

This budget pushes workers into bondage

I see the government neglecting farmers despite presenting a over Rs 6.06 crore budget. It has allocated only Rs 9,710 crore for agriculture, which I believe pushes farmers toward suicide. Reports have repeatedly exposed how crop insurance companies exploit farmers, yet instead of offering full relief, the government continues to favour private companies.

I find no measures in this budget to bring lasting stability to labourers' lives. The central government has abruptly scrapped 29 historic labour laws, replacing them with four employer-friendly labour codes. Workers across the country oppose these laws, yet the finance minister has announced their implementation, rubbing salt into their wounds. I see this as nothing less than pushing workers into modern slavery.

— Subhash Lomte, General Secretary, Maharashtra State Hamal Mapadi Federation & Jai Kisan Andolan, Swaraj Abhiyan