The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly criticized the BJP government and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in their newspaper Saamana. In the editorial, they mocked the budget presentation, claiming that BJP supporters are clapping as if the middle class will soon have golden roofs on their homes. They said the announcement of tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh has made BJP supporters overly excited.
Tax Relief Benefitting Only a Few
The editorial questioned how many people in India actually pay income tax. Out of 3.5 crore taxpayers, 2 crore already earn less than ₹7 lakh and are exempted from tax. Out of the remaining 1.5 crore taxpayers, only about 60 lakh will benefit from the new tax system. Despite this, the government is portraying it as if 45 crore people will gain.
Election-Driven Budget
The editorial claimed that the budget is politically motivated. “It’s a simple budget prepared by a simple-minded government,” they wrote. The article also highlighted how Bihar, which is facing upcoming elections, received many schemes and funds.
Criticism of Modi Government
The editorial accused Prime Minister Modi of failing farmers despite introducing an “agriculture-friendly budget.” They said farmers have continued protests for fair prices under Modi’s leadership. They also highlighted the unemployment crisis, where job seekers face police crackdowns during protests.
Bihar and Gujarat Treatment
The Shiv Sena criticized the special treatment given to Gujarat while Bihar continues to suffer from employment issues. They alleged that BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri even publicly advocated removing Biharis from Delhi.
Concerns Over Economic Growth
According to Saamana, India’s 500 biggest companies have seen a 25% increase in profits, but jobs have only grown by 1.5%. They questioned why the budget didn’t address the issue of black money and counterfeit currency. Instead, the government attempted to gain popularity by announcing income tax exemptions.
The editorial concluded by warning the middle class to be cautious, claiming that the government is adept at “cutting throats with a sweet-coated knife.”
