Rae Bareli budget,other regions ignored: Opposition

The Left said the rail budget has imposed more burdens on the common man. The railway minister wanted to make the budget appear populist by saying there is no hike in passenger fares. But in real terms,the hike in reservation,cancellation and tatkal charges will push up passenger fares, said CPM leader Sitaram Yechury. The partys statement criticised the proposal to set up an independent Rail Tariff Authority.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav described the rail budget as anti-people. It has ignored the demands from backward regions. The BSP,which like the SP supports the UPA from outside,too expressed disappointment. Party chief Mayawati said,Fares have been hiked through the backdoor. The government says it will review fares twice a year. Review only means an increase.

The Trinamool Congress,which held the Railway portfolio till last year,accused Bansal of neglecting Bengal. By neglecting Bengal this government is trying to destroy the image of the Trinamool, said MP Saugata Roy.

The Congress hailed Bansals maiden budget. This is certainly an aam aadmi budget, party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said referring to proposals linking Arunachal Pradesh,providing women employment in RPF,besides others.