Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Union Budget on July 23, sparking significant discontent among political leaders in Maharashtra. State opposition figures have vocally criticized the budget for ignoring key issues and failing to allocate sufficient funds to the state.
Aaditya Thackeray's Criticism
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter. He accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting Maharashtra despite its status as the largest taxpayer in the country. Thackeray stated: "I can understand the BJP wanting to save its government and giving Bihar and Andhra Pradesh a huge sum of the budget. But what is Maharashtra?s fault? That we are the largest taxpayer? What did we get against what we contribute? Was Maharashtra even mentioned once in the budget? Why does the BJP hate and insult Maharashtra so much? It?s a shame that despite unconstitutionally forming a government and running the most corrupt regime in our state, Maharashtra gets nothing in return. Looting Maharashtra through mindless regime?s corruption and then taxes, direct and indirect. That?s what we face."
Protests by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MPs
Following the budget presentation, MPs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) protested within the Parliament complex, accusing the central government of discriminating against Maharashtra in the Union Budget 2024-25. The protest highlighted the perceived neglect of the state?s development needs.
Priyanka Chaturvedi's Statement
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also voiced her discontent, remarking: "The budget should be called the Pradhan Mantri Sarkar Bachao Yojana. There was nothing for Maharashtra as has become the norm for this government. The state will continue to be a cash cow to get money to the centre but never to give money for the state?s development."
Allegations of Bias and Neglect
The opposition leaders? criticisms focus on the disparity between Maharashtra?s contribution to the national exchequer and the benefits it receives in return. They allege that the state is being unfairly treated and that the central government is prioritizing other states for political reasons, at the expense of Maharashtra's development.
