Opposition leaders described the Budget presented by the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government as the dangling of carrot in front of people and a precursor to mid-term elections.
The state Budget for 2023-24 proposed Rs 6,000 assistance to farmers and Re 1 crop insurance scheme while also offering relief in professional tax to working women, 50 per cent discount on ticket fares in state-run buses to women and a new scheme for the girl child.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ajit Pawar said the Budget was an indication that mid-term elections would take place. Assembly elections would become due in Maharashtra in October 2024. Most likely, they will hold Assembly and general elections together. I have been in public life for the last many years, so I can see in which direction the wind is blowing.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, The Budget provisions were like the dangling of a carrot before people. One will have to wait for a long time to see all the promises become reality. When I was in power, the Union government was not properly disbursing GST dues. Now there is a state government that has the backing of the Union government, so we will see whether they can deliver or not.
State Congress chief Nana Patole said, Like untimely rains, today we saw promises and announcements raining in the House. The government has announced 50 per cent subsidy for women travellers in MSRTC buses, but what about improving the fiscal condition of the corporation?
All India Majalis E Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Imtiaz Jaleel criticised the allocation of money for various memorials.