Mahayuti hails 'dream budget'; MVA finds flaws

Leaders of the Mahayuti government hailed the "dream budget for the middle class" announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, and appreciated its provisions for projects in Maharashtra.

- Saurabha Kulshreshtha and Shashank Rao

MUMBAI: On the other hand, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) said the budget had nothing concrete for farmers and the agriculture sector. They claimed the BJP-led government has taken Maharashtra for granted but given special treatment to Bihar as it is scheduled for assembly elections this year.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the income-tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh, saying the budget would transform rural India and encourage citizen-centric investments. "It (the budget) provides relief to the middle class, salaried individuals, youth, farmers and labourers. The provisions in this budget will support many of Maharashtra's ambitious policies. In particular, since Maharashtra is the start-up capital, it will greatly benefit from the new policies," said Fadnavis.

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said, "The increase in tax-free income to ₹12 lakh is a big gift to the middle class." He also hailed the huge provisions for infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, "Sitharaman has presented a roadmap of a developed India, which is a dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The exemption in taxable income is like Diwali for crores of families."