Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Union Budget has received mixed responses from political parties in Madhya Pradesh. Ministers have called the budget a visionary plan that will lead the country towards self-reliance. They describe it as an inclusive budget.
On the other hand, the Opposition has criticised the budget, calling it highly disappointing as it offers nothing to the poor, farmers, and youth.
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda stated that the Union Budget is a roadmap for realizing the vision of a Developed India as outlined by PM Narendra Modi. The decision not to levy any tax on income up to Rs 12 lakh has provided relief to a large section of society. He called this a revolutionary decision by the Modi government. The budget, he said, is a dream budget for the common people, rooted in the GYAN Mantra of PM Modi.
It primarily focuses on the welfare of the poor, youth empowerment, women’s upliftment, and farmers. Many provisions in the budget will greatly benefit the fast-progressing Madhya Pradesh. The budget will give a boost to the development process and provide new energy to the private sector. It strengthens agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports, which are the four pillars of India. He welcomed the move to start a mission for achieving self-reliance in pulse production. The decision to increase the Kisan Credit Card limit to Rs 5 lakh will be very helpful for farmers.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari
State Congress President Jitu Patwari criticized the Union Budget, calling it highly disappointing. He said that while PM Modi’s speech painted a picture of a prosperous country, the reality on the ground is different. Farmers, he pointed out, are still struggling, and many youths are committing suicide due to unemployment and inflation. The budget fails to address the problems of farmers and has disappointed the middle class and the poor.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar argued that the Union Budget was designed with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, with many special packages directed towards that state. He claimed that PM Modi had forgotten that the Union Budget is meant for the entire country. There was no discussion on guaranteeing MSP (Minimum Support Price) for farmers, and deductions were made in schemes for SC/ST categories. Singhar argued that the BJP government has tailored the entire budget to win elections in one state, offering nothing for the poor.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla described the Union Budget as inclusive and said it would help India become self-reliant, prosperous, and developed. He pointed out that the budget addresses critical areas like education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and tax reforms. Shukla praised the steps taken in the health sector, including making life-saving drugs tax-free. This move will reduce healthcare costs for the common people. A 5% reduction in customs duty on six life-saving drugs and the exemption of 13 patient assistance programs from basic customs duty will provide significant relief to the general public. He also welcomed the revised tax regime, where the exemption has been raised to Rs 12 lakh from Rs 7 lakh. Additionally, he appreciated the move to promote digital agriculture platforms, which he believes will be a milestone in increasing farmers’ incomes.
