Raje's budget evokes mixed reactions from BJP congress

Jaipur,Feb 25 (UNI) The Rajasthan state Budget for 2008-2009 presented by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in Rajasthan Assembly today evoked mixed reactions from different quarters including the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress.

Leader of the Opposition Hemaram Chaudhary said Ms Raje tried to give an eye wash to people by making misleading announcements which she would not be in a position to implement.

She said the surplus budget did present a false impression of state's economic health and voters were unlikely to be misled by her populist announcements.

Ruling BJP state President Om Prakash Mathur praised Ms Raje for presenting a balanced, development oriented budget which would take care of every stratum of the society including Women, STs, SCs, Minorities, Youths, Farmers employees and Business community.

AICC General Secretary and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the Budget had been presented keeping an eye on assembly elections and was mere jugglery of data and figures.

Mr Gehlot condemned the government for failing in curbing rise in debt burden which had gone up to 77,000 crore from 47,000 crore during his regime till 2003 Congress state President CP Joshi also condemned the government for failing in presenting clear vision on the sustainable development and for poor utilization of plan allocations.

Rajasthan Waterworks Employees Mahasangh President Babu Lal Yadav and BMS state Vice President Diwakar Sharma praised Ms Raje for granting DA instalment of six per cent and effecting hike in minimum wage rates.

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