Nitish, Lalu dub budget as 'disappointing'

Both the Janata Dal (United) President and the RJD chief pointed out that the central government has failed to provide special packages to backward states.

Patna, Feb 1: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his ally Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said Union Budget 2017-18 is 'disappointing' for people, particularly the poor, farmers and youths.

Both the Janata Dal (United) President and the RJD chief pointed out that the central government has failed to provide special packages to backward states such as Bihar as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the campaign for the state assembly polls in 2015.

"The budget has disappointed the people. There is nothing that could speed up growth and development in the country. It is not going to help the common people, farmers and the youths," Kumar told the media in Patna.

The Chief Minister said he expected special packages for Bihar but there was no such mention in the budget. "Bihar got nothing new in the budget," he said.

Kumar questioned the Centre's silence over the amount of black money returned to the banks after demonetisation.

"Why has Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech in parliament not given any information about how much black money returned following demonetisatiion and the benefits of demonetisation," he asked.

According to the Chief Minister, it was surprising that there was no specific reference to the much hyped move of demonetising old Rs 500 and 1,000 notes.

Lalu said it was a 'nirashajanak' (disappointing) budget as there was no relief for the common people, who have been fighting for survival after demonetisation.

"Why has the central government failed to inform how much employment it provided to youths last year as Modi had promised to bring in two crore jobs each year. What about special focus to help farmers, who have been committing suicide," Lalu asked.

The RJD chief said the budget was anti-poor, anti-farmer and anti-youth.

As soon as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley finished the presentation of the budget in Parliament on Wednesday, reactions poured in from all quarters.

While Jaitley's party colleagues showered praises on the FM for his acumen to present the 'best' budget, the opposition was quick to slam the budget for failing to meet everyone's expectations.

IANS