Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his party BJP, hailed the Union Budget calling it "progressive", whereas state Congress leaders said it was mere "jugglery of figures" and does not hold anything substantial for people.
Rupani said the budget was a concrete step towards realising the dreams of women, farmers and youths.
"Substantial allocation for infrastructure development will eventually generate new employment opportunities for youths. Through this budget, the Centre has shown its commitment towards the welfare of every citizen," he said. I.
Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani said the budget keeps the interest of poor, village dwellers and farmers in the centre.
Vaghani also welcomed the announcement of establishing AIIMS in Gujarat as well as supporting centenary celebration of Sabarmati Ashram.
"This budget has addressed expectations of people. This is a progressive, transparent and pro-poor budget, having several initiatives to eradicate poverty and generate more employment opportunities for the youth," Vaghani said.
However, Gujarat Congress said the budget was just ordinary.
Senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela said the budget was BJP-led central government's "jugglery of figures", and claimed that it has nothing substantial to offer for people affected by demonetisation.
According to Vaghela, common people are disappointed as the tax slab of Rs 2.5 lakh has remained unchanged.
"This is the third budget of this government, where they did nothing but jugglery of figures. This budget has completely failed to give any respite to citizens who were badly hit by the demonetisation decision. There is nothing in this budget which provides relief to people," the Leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly said.
"Instead of increasing the tax exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh, this government only reduced tax rate for income up to Rs 5 lakh. Overall, this budget is very ordinary and it will only increase inflation and fiscal deficit," Vaghela said.
Gujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki claimed that the budget had nothing new to offer than to promote scheme floated by previous Congress-led UPA governments.
"This budget has nothing new to offer to people. Centre has only promoted schemes, such as MNREGA, which were floated by the UPA government in the past," said Solanki.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
