Here's What The Opposition Leaders Said About Interim Budget 2024

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for 2024 in Lok Sabha on Thursday (1 February), the Congress voiced disappointment, labeling it as one of the shortest budget.

Among the long list of opposition MP's that expressed their disappointment with the budget, here's a compilation of what some of them said:-

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor while criticizing the budget speech highlighted the absence of concrete implementation plans and citied a decline in foreign investment.

Tharoor also expressed concern over the budget being couched in vague language without addressing specific economic issues.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram dismissed the interim budget as a routine administrative exercise, emphasizing its role in ensuring funds for the government until the new parliament is constituted.

Chidambaram criticized the government's self-congratulatory phrases, characterizing the budget as lacking substance.

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Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stated "the Union Budget cannot and does not indicate any policy decision. But the way the government has presented the budget, it clearly suggests the policy of the government. It is an interim budget and cannot reflect any policy matter of the government."

Jammu and Kashmir-based National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah noted that the actual budget will be presented in July, "We hope the people will benefit, tourism will increase, industries will also grow and the nation will progress."

Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Shiv Sena MP, accused the Finance Minister of dampening expectations with a lackluster presentation. She suggested that the budget failed to address people's aspirations during challenging times.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) MP Vaiko criticized the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of hoodwinking the people.

Vaiko highlighted the government's failure to provide necessary funds for Tamil Nadu's flood relief.

CPI MP P Santosh Kumar expressed low expectations from the government, citing a lack of pro-people policies. He speculated that the government might announce populist measures in this election year.

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