Divergent views emerge on Budget 2024 - From 'Innovative' to 'Hollow'

The recently presented Interim Budget 2024 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sparked varying reactions from political leaders, highlighting the contrasting perspectives on the fiscal plan. While members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commend the budget for its inclusive and innovative approach, opposition leaders express disappointment, labeling it as "hollow."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message, applauded the budget, stating it guarantees the strengthening of India's foundation for development, particularly for the youth, poor, women, and farmers.On the flip side, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the speech as one of the shortest on record, claiming it lacked concrete implementation details.

The Interim Budget 2024, presented ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has triggered mixed reviews from political figures. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh, lauded the budget for its visionary roadmap to achieve a developed India by 2047. However, leaders from the opposition, such as Congress' Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, expressed dissatisfaction, citing the short duration of the budget speech and alleging grandstanding without a clear vision.

Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav labeled it as the Modi government's farewell budget, while Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out a stark contrast between promises and actions, emphasizing the budget's perceived neglect of the poor, women, and youth.