Haryana CM Lauds Union Budget as Development-Oriented; Opposition Disagrees

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praised the Union Budget, calling it balanced and development-oriented. However, opposition leaders in the state expressed disappointment. Saini stated that the Budget would accelerate standards set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2024-25 Budget, her seventh consecutive presentation and the first during Modi's third term. Saini highlighted that the Budget aims to make agriculture more profitable, strengthen the economy, and generate employment through industrial development.

Reactions from Opposition Leaders

Opposition leaders from Haryana criticised the Budget. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of Opposition, noted the absence of any mention of Haryana. Congress general secretary Kumari Selja also termed the Budget as disappointing, stating that Haryana was neglected.

Hooda claimed that the Budget failed to address issues faced by farmers, small traders, and the middle class. He pointed out that there was no relief from inflation or heavy taxes. Hooda also mentioned that the number of Kisan Samman Nidhi beneficiaries had decreased from 11.39 crore in June 2022 to 9.26 crore.

Focus on Agriculture and Employment

Saini emphasised that the Budget aims to fulfil the hopes of the poor, women, farmers, and youth. He mentioned that increasing production of pulses and oilseeds and improving their storage and marketing would encourage crop diversification in Haryana.

BJP national secretary O P Dhankar praised the Budget for establishing new dimensions in rural development and progress in agriculture. He described it as a foundation for building a developed India.

Criticism from Congress Leaders

Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala criticised the Budget for lacking provisions for farmers and not guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP). He also noted that there was no relief from debt or measures to create new jobs.

Surjewala alleged that the Budget ignored Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Backward Classes (BC). He claimed this was a punishment for not voting in favour of BJP in recent elections. He also accused the government of removing mentions of states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra due to electoral defeats.

Other Political Reactions

Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda expressed disappointment, stating that farmers and the poor received no relief. JJP leader Dushyant Chautala described it as a management Budget aimed at saving the Central government.

Indian National Lok Dal secretary general Abhay Singh Chautala echoed similar sentiments, claiming that Haryana was completely ignored in the Budget. He stated that this led to widespread disappointment among people in the state.

Saini posted on X in Hindi, praising Sitharaman for considering the expectations of welfare for the poor and middle class. "This Budget is balanced, all-encompassing, inclusive and development-oriented," he wrote.

Saini also called it an economic document for creating a self-reliant India. He believes it will significantly encourage farmers adopting crop diversification in Haryana by increasing production of pulses and oilseeds.

The differing reactions highlight contrasting perspectives on how well the Union Budget addresses regional needs and national development goals. While some see it as a step towards progress, others feel it neglects crucial issues affecting various communities.