Maharashtra Interim Budget 2023: NCP Slams Shinde Govt for Presenting Full Budget Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

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In a recent development, the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra has expressed reservations regarding the interim budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, presented by the Eknath Shinde government in the state Assembly. Sharadchandra Pawar, the NCP's chief, asserted that the budget, which was initially intended to cover the next four months, was instead presented as a full budget, potentially influenced by the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Budget Accused of Political Motivations

Jayant Patil, the state president of the NCP, alleged that the budget was an attempt by the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government to bolster its waning popularity. Patil, a former state finance minister, criticized the government for presenting a budget that resembled a full budget rather than an interim budget meant to cover the next four months. He suggested that the budget was crafted with the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in mind.

Deviation from Central Budget Precedents

Patil further pointed out that the Mahayuti government disregarded certain precedents set by the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister while presenting the central budget. He accused the state government of trampling upon these precedents during the presentation of the state budget.

Lack of Financial Planning

Patil also criticized the government for its lack of financial planning in preparing the budget. He alleged that the government resorted to announcing sops for specific sections of society in an attempt to woo them, rather than following a comprehensive financial plan.

Interim Budget Details

Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, presented the interim budget in the Assembly. The budget outlined a total expenditure of Rs 6.52 lakh crore for the year 2024-25, with a revenue deficit of Rs 9,734 crore. Notably, the budget did not propose any new taxes.

Supplementary Budget to Follow

Pawar clarified that a supplementary budget, or a full budget, will be presented after the Lok Sabha elections, which are expected to be held in April-May. This supplementary budget will provide a more comprehensive financial plan for the state.

The NCP's concerns regarding the interim budget highlight the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra. As the state prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the budget becomes a focal point of discussion and debate, with political parties vying to present their visions for the state's financial future.