Who said what on Union Budget 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Cabinet on the Union Budget 2025, highlighting its commitment to the welfare of the common man. Modi stressed that the budget will cater to the aspirations of various sections of society, particularly poor farmers, women, and the youth. "This year's budget is for the common man," he stated, adding that it aims to improve the living standards of these groups. The Cabinet, led by Modi, approved the budget in a meeting attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhary.

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his support for the budget, particularly the income tax exemption for individuals earning up to Rs.12 lakh under the new tax regime. He praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a budget that prioritizes the middle class. "Zero Income Tax till Rs.12 Lakh Income. The proposed tax exemption will go a long way in enhancing the financial well-being of the middle class," Shah wrote on X, congratulating all beneficiaries of the measure. He emphasized that this decision would significantly improve the financial security of the middle class, an essential voter base for the government.

Opposition parties, however, voiced their discontent with the budget. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government for its handling of the Kumbh Mela tragedy, pointing to the government's failure to provide accurate figures of the deceased. He remarked that the budget numbers were misleading, alleging that the government lacked the necessary vision to address the pressing concerns of the people. "This government is false, and every statistic in this budget is a lie," Yadav claimed, using the Kumbh incident as a metaphor for the government’s broader shortcomings.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also criticized the budget, calling it politically motivated and disconnected from the real issues facing the nation. She highlighted the growing problems of inflation, unemployment, and poverty in the country and questioned why the budget did not address these concerns more effectively. "In India, with a population of 140 crore, the absence of basic amenities like water, roads, and education is troubling. This budget does little to address these issues," Mayawati stated, indicating that the government's priorities were out of touch with the needs of the masses.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the tax exemption announcement, particularly the relief it provides to the middle class. He praised the decision as a significant step in easing financial burdens. "This is a major relief for the middle class. It will not only boost economic development but also bring positive changes to the lifestyle of citizens," Dhami remarked. He reiterated the importance of such decisions in promoting financial well-being across the nation.

Union Minister and LJP (Ramvilas) National President Chirag Paswan expressed his approval of the Union Budget 2025, calling it a comprehensive document that addresses all sectors. “This Budget is a complete Budget overall in which every sector has been taken care of,” he remarked. Paswan, also a Bihari leader, specifically highlighted provisions for the expansion of airports, IITs, and the allocation for the Kosi River disaster relief, which he deemed especially beneficial for his home state of Bihar.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also praised the budget, emphasizing its focus on the youth and various key sectors. He stated, "This Budget will fulfil the dreams of a new energetic youth," highlighting the government's detailed approach to agriculture, manufacturing, innovation, and services. Scindia further noted that the substantial relief granted to taxpayers was a standout feature of the budget, offering a significant financial benefit to the public.

Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, said: A band-aid for bullet wounds! Amid global uncertainty, solving our economic crisis demanded a paradigm shift. But this government is bankrupt of ideas.