Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 1: The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has received a range of reactions, with the middle class expressing relief, but concerns are being raised over regional disparities, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to Bihar.

Middle Class relief: Political Analyst Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty

Political analyst Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty praised the budget for offering relief to the middle class, especially the increase in the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lac for salaried individuals.

Shetty also highlighted the budget's focus on healthcare, including tax exemptions for essential medicines and medical equipment, as well as improvements to Anganwadi infrastructure.

However, Shetty expressed concerns over regional imbalances, pointing out that Bihar received disproportionate attention with projects like IIT expansion, new airports, and irrigation facilities, which he believed were influenced by the political influence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar criticises Budget as Bihar poll manifesto

Karnataka's Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar strongly criticised the budget, calling it more of an election manifesto for Bihar than a national development plan. Hebbalkar pointed out that while Bihar received numerous key projects, Karnataka was overlooked, receiving no special grants. She voiced her disappointment that the state’s needs, such as support for Bengaluru’s development, were ignored despite Finance Minister Sitharaman’s election from the state.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna calls Budget a step toward economic strength

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, however, praised the budget, viewing it as a move toward strengthening India’s economy.

He pointed to allocations such as Rs 1 lac crore for urban development and Rs 60,000 crore for the fisheries sector. Suvarna also highlighted relief for farmers through increased Kisan Credit Card limits and Rs 1.5 lac crore earmarked for interest-free loans to states.

He commended the budget's focus on rural schools, healthcare, and tax reductions for cancer medicines, calling it people-centric and development-oriented.

Karnataka neglected: Ramesh Kanchan

Udupi Block Congress Committee president Ramesh Kanchan shared similar concerns about regional favoritism, claiming the budget focused more on Bihar, especially in light of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, while neglecting Karnataka. Kanchan criticised the budget for ignoring Karnataka’s coastal region and pointed out that the state’s MPs had failed to secure any financial grants, leaving Karnataka feeling disregarded.

Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty hails comprehensive approach

Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty described the budget as a comprehensive and people-friendly development plan, emphasising key sectors such as taxation, energy, urban development, mining, financial reform, and regulatory changes.

He praised provisions for fishermen, street vendors, cancer patients, and farmers, particularly the increase in the income tax exemption to Rs 12 lac, which he deemed a revolutionary move that would accelerate national growth.

“Vikasit Budget for Vikasit Bharat,” says Udupi BJP president Kishore Kumar Kundapura

Udupi BJP president Kishore Kumar Kundapur framed the budget as a vision for a "Vikasit Bharat" (Developed India).

He highlighted provisions for farmers, women, MSMEs, and the middle class, including crop diversification, new urea plants in Assam, and increased credit limits for Kisan Credit Cards and MSMEs.

Kundapura also emphasised the impact of the budget on the healthcare sector, especially with plans to establish cancer care centres in each district.

Disappointing Budget for Karnataka: Udupi Congress spokesperson Bhaskar Rao Kediyoor

Udupi District Congress spokesperson Bhaskar Rao Kediyoor expressed disappointment with the budget, stating that it failed to meet Karnataka’s expectations despite the state’s significant contribution to national taxes. Kediyoor pointed out the rise in essential commodity prices before the budget and argued that while the income tax exemption increase was a positive move, it did not make up for the lack of allocations for crucial state projects, like the Upper Bhadra Project.

He criticised the government for prioritising regional political alliances over the developmental needs of the state.