Union Budget: Nothing for Maharashtra, says Opposition

Claiming that the Budget has destroyed the concept of a welfare state, NCP's Ajit Pawar, also the leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said it was a "chunavi jumla" prepared with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Calling the Union Budget “disappointing” and a “political gimmick meant to fulfil political goals”, the Opposition in Maharashtra on Wednesday accused the Union government of ignoring Maharashtra and Mumbai despite the state contributing the highest revenue in the form of taxes.

Claiming that the Budget has destroyed the concept of a welfare state, NCP’s Ajit Pawar, also the leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said it was a “chunavi jumla” prepared with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

“Like previous years, this year’s Budget is also just an chunavi jumla. To please the middle class, they have increased tax slabs but there is no concrete provision to ensure social security of the middle class, destroying the concept of a welfare state…,” Pawar told mediapersons.

NCP state president Jayant Patil said the people of Maharashtra are disappointed with the Budget. “The chief minister and the deputy CM of the state need to ask the Union government what this Budget has for Maharashtra and Mumbai. The people of Maharashtra will always remember that Maharashtra is not getting the treatment neighbouring states (like Gujarat and Karnataka) have got in the Budget,” Patil told mediapersons.

Describing the Budget as disappointing, Congress state president Nana Patole said, “There is nothing concrete in this Budget beyond catchy slogans, rhetoric, number games and dreams. The finance minister did not speak on the burning issues of inflation, unemployment, farmers, MNREGA, petrol, diesel, LPG gas prices, minimum support price for agricultural produce…”

“Maharashtra pays the highest amount to the Centre in the form of taxes but the state has not received anything concrete. Minorities, Dalits, tribals, farmers, labourers, youth, women and middle class are also deeply disappointed,” he added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said that the Budget is rubbing salt on the wounds of Maharashtra. “What are we getting from this Budget? In the state (Gujarat) where elections took place recently, BJP won over 150 seats and for that mega projects like Tata-Airbus, Vedanta-Foxconn and the International Financial Center were taken there from Maharashtra. It has also got more concessions. I think the diamond hub has also been sent to Surat.”

“This Budget is rubbing salt on the wounds of Maharashtra,” Aaditya said, adding that Karnataka also received more provisons where elections are slated to be held next year.

The Union Budget has nothing for Maharashtra and it reflects the “failure” of the state BJP leaders and the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government, said Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve on Wednesday.

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

Calling the Union Budget “disappointing” and a “political gimmick meant to fulfil political goals”, the Opposition in Maharashtra on Wednesday accused the Union government of ignoring Maharashtra and Mumbai despite the state contributing the highest revenue in the form of taxes.

Claiming that the Budget has destroyed the concept of a welfare state, NCP’s Ajit Pawar, also the leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said it was a “chunavi jumla” prepared with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

“Like previous years, this year’s Budget is also just an chunavi jumla. To please the middle class, they have increased tax slabs but there is no concrete provision to ensure social security of the middle class, destroying the concept of a welfare state…,” Pawar told mediapersons.

NCP state president Jayant Patil said the people of Maharashtra are disappointed with the Budget. “The chief minister and the deputy CM of the state need to ask the Union government what this Budget has for Maharashtra and Mumbai. The people of Maharashtra will always remember that Maharashtra is not getting the treatment neighbouring states (like Gujarat and Karnataka) have got in the Budget,” Patil told mediapersons.

Describing the Budget as disappointing, Congress state president Nana Patole said, “There is nothing concrete in this Budget beyond catchy slogans, rhetoric, number games and dreams. The finance minister did not speak on the burning issues of inflation, unemployment, farmers, MNREGA, petrol, diesel, LPG gas prices, minimum support price for agricultural produce…”

“Maharashtra pays the highest amount to the Centre in the form of taxes but the state has not received anything concrete. Minorities, Dalits, tribals, farmers, labourers, youth, women and middle class are also deeply disappointed,” he added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said that the Budget is rubbing salt on the wounds of Maharashtra. “What are we getting from this Budget? In the state (Gujarat) where elections took place recently, BJP won over 150 seats and for that mega projects like Tata-Airbus, Vedanta-Foxconn and the International Financial Center were taken there from Maharashtra. It has also got more concessions. I think the diamond hub has also been sent to Surat.”

“This Budget is rubbing salt on the wounds of Maharashtra,” Aaditya said, adding that Karnataka also received more provisons where elections are slated to be held next year.

The Union Budget has nothing for Maharashtra and it reflects the “failure” of the state BJP leaders and the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government, said Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve on Wednesday.