The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party on Wednesday criticised the Union Budget, saying it had neglected the poor and the farmers, while offering no relief to crores of people affected by demonetisation. Both parties attacked the Narendra Modi government for pushing through the Budget just before five States, including Uttar Pradesh, went to elections.
By announcing the Budget in the middle of the polls, the Modi government was trying to draw “political and electoral advantage” from it, BSP chief Mayawati said in her response. The Budget provides “no immediate relief or facilities” to 90 per cent of Indians affected by demonetisation, she said, predicting that it would further aggravate the problem of poverty and unemployment, especially in rural areas.
The four-time CM of U.P. said the NDA Budget neglected the poor, labourers and farmers and did not appear to be in public welfare, and accused the Modi government of only bringing in policies for the benefit of the corporates.
Both the SP and BSP, however, did not comment on the cap on donation to political parties introduced in the Budget.
SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said the Budget was a “betrayal of the people of U.P., in particular farmers”.
He said that by releasing the Budget right before the polls, the Modi government had disrespected the suggestions of the Election Commission.
Mr. Chaudhary said the Budget did not have any proposal for the waiver of farm debt and it was a “betrayal” of the farming community.
He said the Modi government had nothing to offer to sugarcane farmers and those affected by natural calamities.
