Chennai, Jul 5 (IANS): DMK President M.K. Stalin on Friday termed the Union Budget 2019-20 as an arrangement of 'decorative words' and 'announcements' which did not respect the federal structure of the nation.

In a statement issued here, Stalin said the increase in petrol and diesel prices will result in rise in the cost of essential items and transport cost for the common man.

Stalin said the announcement to raise Rs 50 lakh crore for Railways by private participation was like handing over the common man's transport system to rich people.

The DMK leader said the policy announcement of the Central government reducing its stakes in public sector undertakings (PSUs) to under 51 per cent showed that the BJP government will close down the PSUs.

According to Stalin, the Budget has not allocated any amount for linking the rivers Cauvery and Godavari or for that matter for any river linking project.

The BJP government did not increase the income tax exemption limit for the middle class but gave tax benefits to the corporates, he said.

Stalin also said the 10 per cent hike in customs duty on newsprint was an attempt to stifle the print media.