Opposition says Maharashtra ignored in Union Budget, BJP says ‘false narrative’

The Budget fineprint has not been seen yet but, seen at a glance, it includes Rs 600 crore for irrigation projects in drought-affected areas of Marathwada and Vidarbha, Rs 400 crore to improve rural roads, Rs 466 crore for industrial cluster, Rs 598 crore for climate resilient agriculture and Rs 150 crore for agri business in the state.

Further, there is provision of Rs 908 crore for improving road infrastructure in Mumbai along with Rs 1,087 crore for Mumbai Metro rail, Rs 499 crore for Delhi to Mumbai corridor, Rs 653 crore for Nagpur Metro rail, Rs 814 crore for Pune Metro and Rs 690 crore for improvement of Mula-Mutha river.

Congress leader Mohan Joshi said the Union government has made a meagre Budget allocation for Pune Metro and river improvement project, and failed to give push to proposed projects in the city. “The extension of the airstrip at Pune airport, Pune-Nashik high speed railway and conservation of heritage structures have been ignored,” he said.

City NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap said the BJP has completely ignored Maharasthra in the Union Budget while Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which have ensured BJP-led NDA rule in the Centre, have been given more funds for development. “The BJP has always taken the people of Maharashtra for granted. It always discriminates among people and states, which is reflected in the Budget. There is a Union minister from the city but no new project for the city has been undertaken,” he said.