Debate on union Budget in rajya sabha: Opp alleges bias in allocations

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar appreciated the former PM, saying at this age his presence not only in the House but also in committees was very encouraging.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said, “This is a budget that provides economic justice, not just social justice.”

BJP’s Satnam Singh Sandhu called the budget “inclusive and a vision document of PM Modi”.

NCP’s Sunetra Ajit Pawar called it a “dream budget” and hailed the tax relief to the middle class, which, she said, will drive consumption and economic growth.   BJP member Sadhna Singh said PM Modi is like a “devpurush” for the country and the Opposition should learn from his policies.

Congress member Imran Pratapgarhi attacked the government saying the budget “favoured the rich” and there was nothing for the welfare of farmers, poor and minorities. He asked Sitharaman to enhance the allocation for MGNREGA and funds for the welfare of minorities.

JMM leader Mahua Maji said the budget ignored Jharkhand. “The budget is clearly supporting BJP-ruled states and doing discrimination in allocation of funds and projects with Opposition-ruled states like Jharkhand. Jharkhand is one of the most resource-rich states in the country, despite that it has been ignored in the budget,” she said.

DMK’s R Girirajan accused the Centre of meting out stepmotherly treatment to Tamil Nadu. He said Tamil Nadu contributes more to the GDP but is not getting proportionate tax devolution.