Union Budget 2015 reactions: BJP lauds Jaitley's 'clear vision', Congress terms it 'dhanwapsi' to corporates

New Delhi: While the principal Opposition party Congress on Saturday described the Union Budget 2015 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as "hollow and
plain", Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded calling it a 'progressive, positive, practical, pragmatic and prudent' one.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

​Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a 'Budget with a clear vision.' He tweeted that the Budget 2015 had a distinct focus on farmers, youth, poor, neo-middle class and the 'Aam Nagrik'. "It delivers on growth, equity & job creation," he said and added that the Budget was 'progressive, positive, practical, pragmatic and prudent.' 

Union Budget 2015 is a Budget with a clear vision. It is a Budget that is progressive, positive, practical, pragmatic & prudent. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2015

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2015

Details of the Black Money law being introduced demonstrates our firm commitment to bring back every Rupee of Black Money stashed abroad.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2015

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress

The Congress party said that the Budget did not focus on the common man's aspirations. "It is just a vision document, a Budget in interest of corporates and industrialists," said Mallikarjun Kharge.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh called the Budget an important step in the direction of building modern India. "It will play an important role in the formation of modern India," he said and added, "It will help eliminate poverty and unemployment"."

Congratulations to Shri @arunjaitley on presenting a forward looking &progressive Budget. This Budget highlights the contours of 'New India' — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

The Budget not only promises to increase the ease of doing business in India, it also provides for a social security net for weaker sections — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

Schemes like Universal Social Security System & ' Atal Pension Yojana' will go a long way in strengthening the social security net in India — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

Both the Rail Budget and the Union Budget have successfully captured the mood of the country. Indian economy is all set to take a giant leap — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

The Union Budget has mapped a target of providing Visa on Arrival to 150 countries in stages.The MHA is well positioned to achieve this goal — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

By spelling out a slew of measures to curb the flow of black money the Budget has insured more transparency & accountability in the system. — Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 28, 2015

P Chidambaram, Congress

Former finance minister P Chidambaram accused his successor of pleasing just the corporates and the income-tax payers. Claiming that the Modi government's first full Budget failed the fiscal test, the test of equity, and the test of rising inequality, he said, "If one asks who is pleased by the Budget, I suspect it will be the corporates and the income-tax payers (3.5 crore). Where does that leave the vast majority of the people, especially the poor, who look up to the government for succour and relief?," Chidambaram said, and added, "While the income-tax payers (3.5 crore) may have been got some relief, all others have been burdened with increases in Excise duty and Service Tax."

Manmohan Singh, Congress

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said that he doesn't doubt the intentions of the Budget, but was worried about the lack of an adequate roadmap for fulfillment of targets. 

My worry about the budget is that it has good intentions but doesn't have an adequate roadmap: Former PM Manmohan Singh on #Budget2015 — INC India (@INCIndia) February 28, 2015

Jay Panda, BJD

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called it a "big bang budget" in terms of country and the economy. Jay Panda however was not satisfied as no special package was announced for Odisha. " In my home state there will be disappointment, because neighboring areas have got special packages and we too needed it," Panda said.

Nitish Kumar, JD(U)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he had requested the Finance Minister to not end BRGF funds and he thanked Jaitley for his announcement. "Provisions of Bihar reorganisation will not be affected," Nitish added.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP

Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology - Ravi Shankar Prasad said that due to Budget the middle class would be encouraged to invest more and earn better returns. "It is better than mere tax exemptions. There is incentive on domestic manufacturing of mobile phones in India. It'll create great employment opportunity for young India.," he said, and added, "Change in intentions of government to take speedy decisions with transparancey and fairness is the biggest reform under this government."  

Amit Shah, BJP

BJP President Amit Shah congratulated the Prime Minister and Finance Minister for the Budget and said it would provide social security to all. "I welcome announcement of strict law enforcement on black money. It will help in identifying black money stashed abroad," said Shah and added, "Overall the Budget will help in poverty elimination, provide social security to people and help in development of nation."

Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party

Mulayam Singh Yadav, former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh lamented that the increase in custom excise and service tax will lead to inflation. "The Budget has disappointed people of UP," he added.

Yashwant Sinha, BJP

Former union finance minister Yashwant Sinha said that Arun Jaitley has addressed issues of all sections of society. "A lot of stress has been laid on investment in infrastructure, and if infrastructure moves forward, the economy will move forward," said Sinha, and added, "FM said he will not be able to bring down fiscal deficit for 3 years. He has been realistic."

Ahmed Patel, Congress

Congress'Ahmed Patel said the Budget failed to deliver on expectations. "Hype (around the Budget) had created lots of hope. But outcome is disappointing," Patel said.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP

Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that Finance Minister through his Budget has arrived at a point where he can address growth keeping the next 5 years in mind. "It is very important to first discuss the challenges faced by this budget. Challenges were to address issues of poor and infrastructure, all this must club with ratio of fiscal deficit and growth," he said, and added, "The Finance Minister has been able to come to a point where he can address growth keeping the next 5 years in mind. The 14th Finance Commission would recommend 1 or 2%, but this time financial devolution to the states has been raised from 32% to 42%."

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

"Jaitley ji has done an extremely good job, I give him 9.5 out of 10," says Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Kamal Nath, Congress

Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath criticised the Union Budget saying it has only been a budget of commissions, committees and promises.

Also Read - Budget is 'dhanwapsi' by NDA to big corporates: Congress​

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar

​Union Minister Prakash Javadekar lauded the Union Budget by calling it a "historical" one. "It has given social security to all. It is of the poor, for the poor," he added.

Anandiben Patel, BJP

The Chief Minister of Gujarat said she felt that the Budget tendered to the needs of common man. Anandiben Patel tweeted, "New proposals will accelerate pace of development putting India on higher growth trajectory."

#Budget2015 is assertive to needs of common man. New proposals will accelerate pace of development putting India on higher growth trajectory — Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) February 28, 2015

Appreciate FM @arunjaitley & PM @narendramodi for futuristic #Budget2015 , laying emphasis on @makeinindia_,Skill India & Digital India — Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) February 28, 2015

Provisions addressing every section of society & economy has laid down roadmap for inclusive & sustainable development of India #Budget2015 — Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) February 28, 2015

Initiatives like Universal Social Security Schemes,augmenting allocations to MGNREGA & Nirbhaya fund will foster 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' — Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) February 28, 2015

I thank FM @arunjaitley for addressing restoration of Patan's cultural heritage site Rani ki Vav and furthering Guj's DMIC & GIFT projects — Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) February 28, 2015

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

"This is the first time in the Indian history that the Finance Minister has given highest priority to infrastructure," said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as he appreciated Arun Jaitley's Budget speech. "Investment in infrastructure will boost employment opportunities, given priority to rural development and agriculture," added Gadkari.

PC Chacko, Congress

PC Chacko of the Congress expressed his disappointment at the Budget saying that the government didn't do much despite having enough money. "They could have provided so many things," says Chacko.

BSP supremo Mayawati

Former Uttar Pradesh chief Minister Mayawati called it an anti-poor Budget. "This is not a practical budget, not as per the aspirations of poor and common man of nation," she said.

Ashwani Kumar, Congress

Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar trashed the Union Budget saying it was nothing more than 'jugglery of words'. "For middle class people and low income groups, there has been no relief," he added.

Omar Abdullah, National Conference

The Budget speech by Arun Jaitley elicited a mixed response from former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah. He said, "If Kashmir is to get the AIIMS rather than a greenfield project I hope the money is pumped in to SKIMS to raise it to global standards. Bricks and mortar don't make AIIMS and IIMs. In fact quite the opposite, they dilute the brand equity of the original institution."

Supriya Sule, NCP

The NCP criticized the Budget and said it was disappointed by the NDA government's Finance Minister. "They could have done much more," said Supriya Sule.

Union Minister Smriti Irani

HRD Minister Smriti Irani called Jaitley's Budget a 'pragmatic' one. "It gives lot of thrust on infrastructure, skill India, innovation, girl’s education," she said. "'Nayi manzil' sounds very interesting. 'Atal yojana' program needs to be celebrated across country," she added.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu

BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu hoped that the pro-'Aam Janta' Budget would elicit a positive response from the common man and said, "(It is) very innovative, very inspiring. People will be very happy (with it)."

Ambika Soni, Congress

Ambika Soni accused the Modi governement of working only for the benefit of business houses, and said, "They continue to please and work for benefit of businessmen and corporate houses."

Shashi Tharoor, Congress

Former union minister and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor felt that the poor were completely ignored by the Finance Minister and the Budget leaned towards being corporate-friendly. The good news for Kerala he said was that the National Institute for Speech and Hearing would be upgraded to University for Disability Studies.

Only good news for Kerala is in Thiruvananthapuram: National Institute for Speech&Hearing to be upgraded to University for DisabilityStudies — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 28, 2015

Budget again fine words but implementation will be key.Corporate-friendly but little for aam aadmi &poor completely forgotten. #Budget15 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 28, 2015

Rajyavardhan Rathore, BJP

Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore said that the Budget would provide a major fillip to national development and take 'along the young and old together'. He also tweeted that the One Rank One Pension (OROP) is in approval for implementing stage.

RM @manoharparrikar has approved Rs8300Cr for OROP to finance as per last year budget.OROP is now in approval fr implementing stage @adgpi

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) February 28, 2015

Congratulations to the nation on a #SuperBudget 2015 pushing the national development ahead taking along the young and old together. — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) February 28, 2015

Shahnawaz Hussain, BJP

BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain called it a balanced Budget that would take care of both short-term and long-term goals of the nation.

A truly balanced budget that takes care of both the short term and long term progress of India. #SabkaBudget — Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) February 28, 2015

Renewable Energy target of 1,75,000 MW is a move in direction of Sustainable Development & optimising use of energy sources. #SabkaBudget — Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) February 28, 2015

Allocation of Rs. 10351 cr to Women & Child Development reiterates Govt's commitment to improving Human Development Indices. #SabkaBudget — Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) February 28, 2015

Atal Innovation Mission, SETU, Reduced taxes on Technical Services to 10% from 25% for innovation & entrepreneurship in India. #SabkaBudget — Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) February 28, 2015

Jitendra Singh, BJP

The Minister of State in PMO said that the Budget was 'positive, constructive and a practical' one.

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan called it a professional Budget that was 'in-depth and far-sighted'.

Deepender Hooda, Congress

Congress' Deepender Hooda called it a mix budget. He admitted that there were positive initiatives but said historic cuts in corporate taxes have been given.

Chirag Paswan, LJP

Chirag Paswan of the LJP was buoyant that eventually the cuts in corporate taxes would create job opportunities in the nation.

Sushmita Dev, Congress

There was a need to look into how Nirbhaya fund was going to be spent, said Sushmita Dev of the Congress and said sje wondered what had happened to the last one.

Manish Tewari, Congress

Former union minister Manish Tewari succinctly termed it as a Budget that was high in intent, but low on delivery.  

Kiran Bedi, BJP

Delhi BJP leader Kiran Bedi lauded the Budget for being an 'inclusive' one that would take steps in the right direction towards eradicating corruption and providing for the poor.

Bravo @arunjaitley @PMOIndia for being intellectually honest and covering all sections of society. Seized the situation to take India Fwd.. — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

U have to take the Budget in its totality. It provides for right direction and is inclusive. It needs to be understood by people to use it — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

With corruption free leadership at d Centre & States to play greater role in development,based on vigorous audits,India has a bright future — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

With Jan Dhan Yojana & ADHAAR schemes in place, the marginalised are ready for cash transfers,health insurance+social security schemes+ more — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

Girl child saves for herself by being born a girl. As per @arunjaitley ,s budget,'all investment made in favour of girl child to b exempted — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

Budget is a road map of curbing black money. Also against scams and crony capitalism. With ease of doing business! Part of Good Governance — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015

In this budget,Gold has been converted into a productive asset. Have your own Gold Bonds and Gold Coins rather than smuggled from overseas.. — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2015