Former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray criticized the Maharashtra budget, calling it a “mirage of development” funded by borrowed money. He highlighted the focus on schemes benefiting contractors rather than aiding common citizens, referring to it as an “elevated highway of lies.” Thackeray questioned the effectiveness of the farm loan waiver, emphasizing discrepancies in the government’s claims versus the reality on the ground.
Former minister Aaditya Thackeray echoed these sentiments, labeling the budget as more favorable to contractors than the state of Maharashtra. He criticized the budget’s heavy emphasis on policies and announcements for contractors, raising concerns about the quality of work despite significant proposed spending. Aaditya Thackeray also pointed out the lack of clarity and transparency in the budget, particularly regarding the farm loan waiver and eligibility criteria.
State Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal expressed disapproval of the budget, warning of a mounting debt crisis that could lead Maharashtra towards bankruptcy. He criticized the budget for prioritizing projects like the Bullet Train and Metro over the needs of rural communities, laborers, and the unemployed. Sapkal highlighted the substantial annual expenditure on loan interest repayments and cautioned against the potential failure of promised job creations.
State NCP SP president Shashikant Shinde characterized the budget as deceptive, emphasizing the unrealistic focus on futuristic goals while neglecting present challenges. He criticized the budget for lacking a clear vision to support farmers and the common man, pointing out the absence of financial provisions for key infrastructure projects like the Bullet Train and Metro. Shinde raised concerns about the budget’s emphasis on toll collection rather than addressing pressing societal needs.
