- Reaction of the union ministers to the Budget’2023
- Reaction of the ruling MLAs and MP’S
- Reaction of Opposition
- Reaction of non-politicians
- Reaction of the union ministers to the Budget’2023
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the uncertain global economic situation and stated that the Indian budget would strive to fulfil the needs and aspirations of its citizens. He added that the entire world was looking at it with anticipation. Prime Minister Modi highlighted another significant aspect regarding women’s empowerment, mentioning that the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, would be presenting the budget again. He pointed out that having a female finance minister was a major accomplishment in today’s world and that not just India but the entire world was eagerly awaiting the budget presentation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the latest full budget, before the general election, as one that will establish a strong economic foundation. He stated that the government has made decisions to empower the middle class, which plays a significant role in driving India’s prosperity and growth.
- Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani declared today that the poor segment of India is supporters and allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that this budget is a visionary plan for a developed India. Budget 2023 brings about a middle-class bonanza; it is a win for the future of India: Smriti Irani added. Budget 2023 brings about a middle-class bonanza. It is a budget for not only growth but also inclusivity, said Union Minister.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the budget reflects the government’s dedication to promoting growth and implementing policies focused on the well-being of society, including small business owners, farmers, and professionals. Union Budget is centred on growth and welfare, with a priority on providing aid to farmers, women, marginalized groups, and the middle class. Defence Minister added that the budget proposals aim to help the country reach its target of becoming a $5 trillion economy and one of the top three economies globally in a few years. He highlighted that the budget reflects the government’s dedication to promoting growth and implementing policies focused on the well-being of all segments of society.
- Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also the Minister of Cooperation, stated that the government, following the principle of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’, is committed to improving the living standards of millions of people through cooperatives. In a series of tweets, Shah praised the significant measures taken in the Union Budget to bolster the cooperative sector, saying they symbolize this commitment. He said that, with the plan to establish the world’s largest decentralized storage capacity, farmers affiliated with cooperative societies would be able to receive a fair price for their produce by selling it at the right time, playing a crucial role in increasing their income. The Minister also welcomed the decision to allow sugar cooperatives to include payments made to farmers before 2016-17 in their expenses, resulting in a relief of 10 thousand crore rupees for cooperative sugar mills.
- Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur described the 2023 Union Budget as a futuristic, green, pro-middle class, pro-youth, inclusive, and empowering. In a tweet, he said the budget lays the foundation for India@100 and includes several unprecedented measures to improve the quality of life for millions of Indians.
- BJP President JP Nadda praised the Union Budget 2023-24, calling it the first general budget of Amrit Kaal, which will provide a strong boost to growth and job creation. He stated that the budget aims to empower and support villages, the poor, farmers, tribal, Dalit, backwards, economically backward and middle-class people by providing social justice, equality, respect and equal opportunities. Nadda emphasized the focus on education for children, the income of the middle class and the welfare of the elderly. He said that the budget would also provide strong growth and job creation, and reinforce macroeconomic stability.
- Reaction of the ruling MLAs, MP’S and CM’s
- Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath praised the budget and referred to it as a budget for a “New India,” designed to benefit the 1.3 billion citizens of the country. Chief Minister added in a tweet that the budget would meet the needs and desires of all segments of society, outlining a vision for a new India, promoting the country’s prosperity, and serving the 1.3 billion citizens. The Chief Minister also emphasized that the budget will be a turning point in making India an economic powerhouse and fulfilling the goal of a developed India, which was announced during the Amrit Mahotsava. He extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their efforts on the budget.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the Union Budget 2023-24, calling it “anti-people” and “opportunistic”. She said that the budget fails to address the major concerns of the people such as unemployment, inflation, and inequality. Banerjee also claimed that the budget does not allocate enough resources for the development of the state and does not take into consideration the interests of the common people. She expressed her disappointment with the government’s approach and stated that the budget is not in line with the expectations of the people of West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee also criticized the budget for not addressing the critical issues of the country, such as unemployment and inflation. She further claimed that the budget is just an attempt by the government to show that they are working, but in reality, it does not bring any relief to the common people. The Chief Minister stated that the budget was a missed opportunity for the government to take concrete steps towards the development of the country and its citizens. She expressed her disappointment with the Union Budget, calling it “anti-people” and “anti-poor”. She stated that it would not benefit the majority of the population and would not help address the unemployment issue in the country. The West Bengal Chief Minister also claimed that the changes to the income tax slabs would not be of any help and criticized the budget as being prepared with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his disappointment with the allocation of funds in the Union Budget 2023-24 presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He alleges that despite paying more than ₹1.75 lakh crore in income tax last year, Delhi was allocated only ₹325 crores in the budget, which he views as a “gross injustice” to the people of Delhi. He also accused the Centre of giving the city “step-motherly treatment.”
- Reaction of Opposition
- The Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for not having a plan to tackle unemployment, inflation, and inequality in the country, claiming the Union Budget 2023-24 is the “Mitr Kaal” Budget, which does not help build India’s future. He also criticized the unequal distribution of wealth in the country, alleging that the top 1% richest people in India own over 40% of the total wealth, while the bottom 50% of the population contributes 64% of the total GST collected.
- In a statement, Mr Chidambaram Ex-Finance Minister said that the budget was “a missed opportunity to put money in the hands of people to revive demand and boost the economy.” He added that the budget lacks a clear strategy to create jobs and revive the economy, which is critical for the country’s future. He also criticized the government for not addressing major issues such as agrarian distress, health, and education. ‘Callous’ budget that has betrayed the hopes of the vast majority of people, said Mr Chidambaram. Overall, Mr Chidambaram expressed disappointment with the budget and claimed that it was a “betrayal” of the people’s hopes. He went on to say that the budget is “not only a disappointment but also a betrayal of the hopes of a vast majority of Indians.” The former finance minister also criticized the lack of measures to address the unemployment crisis and claimed that the government’s focus was solely on big businesses and not on the common people. Chidambaram also criticized the government for not reducing taxes for the majority of citizens and claimed that only a small number of people who have chosen the new tax regime have received tax reductions. He accused the government of not being concerned with the well-being of the common people.
- Mayawati also criticized the government for not addressing the needs and concerns of the poor and working class in the country. She emphasized the importance of self-reliance and urged the government to focus on making it a priority. Mayawati further stated that narrow policies of the government have a significant impact on the lives of millions of poor farmers and rural workers. She emphasized the importance of the government focusing on the self-respect and self-reliance of these people to improve their standard of living.
- Reaction of non-politicians
- Krishna Bodanapu, CEO of Cyient, praised the Union Budget 2023-24 as a well-balanced budget that focuses on the three pillars of the Indian economy, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. He said the budget focuses on the adoption of technology and providing training and skill development for the future, which will greatly benefit the technology solutions industry. He also appreciated the government’s commitment to addressing climate change with alternative fertilizers, green credit, and incentives.
- This move will provide a much-needed boost to the domestic EV industry and encourage the use of EVs in India. The emphasis on the use of domestic goods in government procurement will also help in building a strong domestic manufacturing base. The initiatives to create infrastructure for solar and wind power will also help in attracting investments and boosting the growth of the clean energy sector. The budget is in line with the government’s vision to make India a leader in the global energy transition and the focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy is a positive step in that direction.”
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