The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented her seventh consecutive Budget today. The budget, according to the FM,  focused on employment, skill development, agriculture, and manufacturing as part of the economic vision for Modi 3.0.

The ‘Futuristic Budget’ was highly lauded by the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This Budget will ensure a new scale for education and skill and it will give new strength to the middle class.” He further added that the budget will also ensure participation of women in the country. 

After Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced landmark projects and fund allocations in Bihar, Nitish Kumar praised the union budget, stating, “I told them to give us either a special status or a special package. As a follow-up, they have announced aid for a lot of things.” 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also took to X to express his gratitude for recognising the needs of Andhra Pradesh and wrote, “This support from the Centre will go a long way towards rebuilding Andhra Pradesh. I congratulate you on the presentation of this progressive and confidence-boosting budget.”

However, the opposition, especially Congress, was quick to term the union budget as a “kursi bachao” Budget, stating that it was mainly driven by the aim to appease the allies.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in a post on X wrote, “Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets”

Meanwhile, TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dubbed it as directionless, saying that it is anti-people, has no vision and only the political mission is there. She also added, “I don't see any light, it’s all darkness.”