Union Budget 2025 political reactions highlights: Goddess Lakshmi in common man’s house, says Eknath Shinde

All India Kisan Sabha calls the Union Budget to be anti-poor and tailor-made for the corporate cronies and the rich. 

“Even as the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to the GDP has increased to 16 per cent the budget allocation for agriculture and allied activities is lower than the Revised Estimates of 2024-25,” the statement adds. 

The statement adds, “There is no emphasis for generation of employment in the countryside. The Government is stopping all funds to the National Institute for Rural Development and there is zero allocation in the budget for it.” 

- The Hindu Bureau

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, “The whole country is struggling with the problem of inflation and unemployment, but the Modi government is bent on garnering false praises.” 

“All other announcements are almost like this. There is nothing for the youth. Modi ji had promised yesterday that he would take a big step for the empowerment of women in this budget, but nothing like that happened in the budget,” he adds. 

-PTI

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray says, “The BJP that spoke of abolition of income tax, around the years 2012-14 before election, atleast is now getting more liberal and negotiating with taxpayers on slabs and rebates.” 

He praises the announcements made for Bihar and says, “⁠I’m indeed very happy for Bihar, for the mentions it got in the budget speech.” 

“I wonder if the current announcements truly fulfil the needs of the people of Bihar, and if this is not a deviation from the ideology of the need for one nation, one poll, by the party that proposed it,” he adds. 

-The Hindu Bureau

Tamil Nadu’s main Opposition AIADMK alleged that the Union Budget appeared to be “Bihar Budget,” and flayed the Centre for not announcing special schemes for the State. 

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said the Budget did not have special schemes for States such as Tamil Nadu and it appeared to be “Bihar’s Budget,” rather than the Union Budget as several development schemes have been announced for that State as Assembly election is due there this year. 

“The Economic Survey says a growth rate that is not less than 8% is needed for more than a decade to achieve the goal of a developed Bharat (Viksit Bharat) by 2047,” Mr. Palaniswami, former Chief Minister said. 

However, since the Budget has only increased the exemption limit for personal income tax, it appeared to be a document of “jugglery of words,” and increasing growth rate to 8% remained a “big question mark.” Though substantially increasing the income tax exemption limit was a welcome move, it does not have any special schemes, river water interlinking initiatives, railway schemes and MetroRail plans (Coimbatore and Madurai) for Tamil Nadu. “Also, there was nothing to create job opportunities and give a boost to skill development initiatives,” he claimed. - PTI

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the “citizen first” Union Budget will fulfil the hopes of crores of poor and middle class people and give a new direction to fulfilling the resolution of a developed India by 2047. 

“No tax on income up to 12 lakh per annum provides a big relief to crores of employed and middle class people in the country,” he said. 

“The Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanji under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi is a citizen-first Budget that is going to fulfil the hopes and expectations of crores of people, especially the poor and middle class. I welcome this Budget on behalf of the entire Gujarat,” Mr. Patel said in a statement. - PTI

This Budget is like the footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi in a common man’s house. I congratulate PM Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman for the Budget. The salaried class has received revolutionary and unprecedented benefits. Their saving will enter the market and will boost our economy. - The Hindu Bureau

Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal expressed strong displeasure and disappointment with the Union Budget for 2025-26, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, and accused the Centre of showing “political discrimination” towards States in the allocations. 

He said Kerala had justified expectations in some areas, but they were completely neglected in the Budget. 

It was “utterly sad and condemnable” that the Union Budget made no mention of the Wayanad landslide tragedy, which had shocked the country months ago, or the Vizhinjam port, Mr. Balagopal told reporters. - PTI

“The Union Budget for 2025-26 fulfils the dreams of every citizen and is a document of India’s golden future,” Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said. 

“The Budget will prove to be a milestone for the upliftment of the middle and working classes,” he asserted. 

“With the Union Budget 2025-26 presented today, the promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji has been fulfilled again that Modi Ji takes care of those who are not being taken care of by anyone. This Budget is historic for the upliftment of the middle and working classes of the society. It is a document of India’s golden future. It is one of the few historical budgets in the history of Independent India,” Mr. Sai said. - PTI

CPI(M) MP John Brittas too expressed disappointment with the Budget, saying that just like last year, there was no mention of Kerala in it. 

He also said, while speaking to reporters in the national capital, that the Union Government was trying to create a big impression by intervening in the problems of just two per cent of the income tax payers. - PTI

Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan welcomed the tax exemption on incomes up to 12 lakh, but said that apart from that the Budget was “a disappointment.” 

He said that there was no mention of the allocation of funds for the various States and will have to wait for the discussions on the Budget to get clarity on the issue. 

Mr. Unnithan also said that just like in the Budget of 2024, the present one also gave priority to the States of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar as appeasing them was important for the survival of the present BJP-led government. 

“Secondly, the elections for Delhi Assembly are coming on February 5, so they are also trying to woo middle class voters through this Budget,” the Congress MP contended, adding that “we cannot say it is a people-friendly Budget”. - PTI

Telangana Congress president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud alleged that the Union Budget 2025-26 did “grave injustice” to the State. 

“Though Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues made several representations to the Centre on matters concerning the State, the Central Government has not addressed pending issues, including the establishment of a steel plant, IIM, and other assurances made to Telangana during the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh,” MLC Goud said, in a release. 

“It is unjustified that the BJP discriminates against the State simply because a Congress government is in office,” he alleged. Noting that Telangana contributes ₹40,000 crore to the Centre through GST, the Congress leader said the State should at least receive funds accordingly. - PTI

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar lauded the Union Budget 2025-26 as one that was “positive” and would help in accelerating development of the State. 

Mr. Kumar, whose JD(U) is a key constituent of the ruling BJP-led NDA at the Centre, also profusely thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

In a statement, the longest-serving CM of Bihar said the proposal for setting up a “Makhana board” will give a boost to cultivation of foxnuts, for which the State is known far and wide. He also said greenfield airports proposed in the Budget will go a long way in improving flight connectivity, which would give a fillip to the State’s economic growth. - PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the Union Budget as a “band-aid for bullet wounds,” saying that the Centre was “bankrupt of ideas.” He said solving the economic crisis demanded a paradigm shift. 

“A band-aid for bullet wounds! Amid global uncertainty, solving our economic crisis demanded a paradigm shift,” Mr. Gandhi said in a post on X. The Congress earlier criticised the Union Budget as bereft of cure to “illnesses” of stagnant real wages, lack of buoyancy in mass consumption, sluggish rates of private investment, and a complicated GST system that the economy is suffering from. - PTI

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav charged the NDA government at the Centre with indulging in “rhetoric” in the Union Budget, and presenting announcements made in the past with “repackaging”. 

The former Bihar deputy CM, who addressed a press conference in Vaishali district, also slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose JD(U) is a crucial ally of the BJP, for his inability to secure a fair deal for the State. 

“Just look at TDP supremo Chandra Babu Naidu, who has secured benefits to the tune of ₹1 lakh crore for Andhra Pradesh. The Budget presented today is silent on any such help for Bihar. We also do not know where the ₹59,000 crore promised last year has been spent,” said Mr. Yadav, who is now the Leader of the Opposition.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu extended heartfelt congratulations to the Union Government and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a pro-people and progressive Budget. Mr. Naidu opined that this Budget reflects the vision for a Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The Chief Minister further observed that, “It prioritises the welfare of women, the poor, youth, and farmers, while also identifying six key sectors for growth over the next five years. The Budget marks a significant step towards national prosperity. It serves as a comprehensive and inclusive blueprint, promising a prosperous future for our country. Additionally, it brings tax relief for the middle class, the backbone of our country’s economy. I welcome this Budget”. - The Hindu Bureau

Manipur CM N. Biren Singh said the enhancement of investment and turnover limits for the classification of MSMEs proposed in the Union Budget will be highly beneficial for the State. 

He also hailed the zero tax on income up to 12 lakh per annum as a significant step towards alleviating the “financial burdens of hardworking families.” 

“The New Classification Criteria for MSMEs will be greatly beneficial to Manipur which has been a major contributor to the MSME business registration among the Northeast States,” the CM said in a post on X. - PTI

The BJP in Kerala termed the Union Budget 2024-25 as a “game-changer.” BJP State president K. Surendran said the Budget was a “game-changer” as it provides a “massive relief” to the middle-class by exempting tax on incomes upto 12 lakh per annum under the new tax regime. 

“This Budget is a game-changer for the common man, the true backbone of Kerala and India. Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji and FM @nsitharaman Ji, the Union Budget 2025 delivers massive relief to the middle class with NO Income Tax up to Rs 12 lakh.” 

“A clear message that BJP is the true advocate for the people’s prosperity! Thanks to the NDA government for this transformative step!” he said in a post on social media platform X. - PTI

BJP president J.P. Nadda hailed the Union Budget as a “visionary roadmap” that embodies the aspirations of 140 crore Indians and lights the way towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’

“The Union Budget 2025 is a visionary roadmap that embodies the aspirations and dreams of 140 crore Indians, lighting the way towards PM Narendra Modiji’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’” Mr. Nadda said in a post on X. “By focussing on the four engines agriculture, MSME, investment, and export, the “Viksit Bharat Budget 2025” will drive the aspirations of poor, youth, farmers and women, ensuring that no one is left behind on the road to progress,” he said. 

“I express my gratitude to our PM Modi, congratulate Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for the visionary and futuristic, growth oriented and all inclusive Budget,” the BJP chief added. - PTI

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) claimed that the Union Budget 2025-26 has nothing for Jharkhand as the State and its people were “neglected completely” by the Centre. 

“Nothing has been proposed for Jharkhand in the Budget. The neighbouring Bihar has been given many projects but Jharkhand and its people have been neglected completely,” JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said. 

Bihar remained in focus in the presentation of the Union Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal with Ms. Sitharaman making several announcements for the State, including setting up of a makhana board, financial assistance for western Kosi canal and support for enhancing the capacity of IIT Patna. 

“Jharkhand’s minerals contribute significantly to the country’s economy but a “step-motherly treatment has been meted out” to the State,” the JMM leader alleged. 

“We had expected that the Centre would announce payment of its due of ₹1.36 lakh crore to the State. But, there is no mention of it in the Budget. We want to ask why such an ignorant approach was taken towards Jharkhand,” he said. - PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a “people’s Budget” that puts more money in the hands of people and said it is a force-multiplier that will increase investments and lead to growth. 

In televised remarks on the Budget, Mr. Modi said the government has opened up many sectors for the youth, who will drive the mission of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). 

“This Budget is a force multiplier. This Budget will increase savings, investment, consumption and growth,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating the Finance Minister and her team for presenting a “people’s Budget”. - PTI

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the Union Budget 2025-26 has “nothing” for West Bengal, alleging that the State continues to remain “deprived” under the BJP-led NDA rule at the Centre. 

Mr. Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, who was talking to reporters in Delhi after the Budget presentation in Parliament, said several announcements were made for Bihar as the Assembly elections there are due later this year. 

“There has been nothing for Bengal in the Union Budget. As in the past during the BJP’s reign, there has not been enough allocation for the State in this Budget. Our (TMC) MPs have been vocal and have sought a rise in the allocation of funds for Central projects. We have demanded new projects for Bengal but the state remains deprived,” he said. 

Accusing the 12 BJP MPs from West Bengal of “doing little to take up the State’s cause”, Mr. Banerjee, the Diamond Harbour MP, said, “They did nothing to help the State and its people economically.” - PTI

​

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is not just a statement of accounts but a roadmap for a self-reliant, growing and prosperous India, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar said. 

“From farmer welfare to middle-class relief, from empowering women and youth to supporting startups and from infrastructure development to encouraging investments, the Budget aims to turn every citizen’s dreams into reality,” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is not just a statement of figures, it is a roadmap for a developed India of self-reliance, growth and prosperity, in line with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji,” he said. He thanked PM Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a “bold, inclusive and forward-looking” Budget. - PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the 2025-26 Union Budget 2025 is a blueprint of the Modi government’s vision for building a developed country and that the middle class is always in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s heart. 

Mr. Shah said the Budget covers every section from farmers to the middle class and every sector from nutrition and health, startups to innovation and investment. “It is the roadmap for Mr. Modi’s self-reliant India,” he said. 

“Zero Income Tax Rs. till 12 Lakh Income. The proposed tax exemption will go a long way in enhancing the financial well-being of the middle class. Congratulations to all the beneficiaries on this occasion,” the Union Minister wrote on X with the hashtag ‘ViksitBharatBudget2025’. - PTI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the announcement in the Budget that no income tax will be payable on income up to ₹12 lakh, providing significant relief to taxpayers especially the middle class. 

“A big gift for the middle class...! Under the visionary and strong leadership of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, an important decision has been taken to make the income of ₹12 lakh tax free under the Union Budget 2025-26, giving a big relief to the middle class,” Mr. Dhami said in a post on X. 

“Certainly, this welfare decision will benefit the common man of the country including the middle class. This decision will not only encourage economic development but will also bring positive changes in the lifestyle of the people. Thanks for this historic decision-Congratulations to the Prime Minister,” he added. - ANI

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said the Union Budget showed the Centre’s concern about faster growth of the State. “It’s a historic Budget that will benefit Bihar in a large way. The NDA government at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is concerned about the faster growth of the State. The Finance Minister announced a slew of schemes for the State,” Mr. Choudhary told reporters. 

“The State will witness faster growth under the leadership of the PM and CM Nitish Kumar. We thank PM Modi, and the Union Finance Minister for the announcements made for Bihar,” he added. - PTI

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has strongly criticised the Union Budget 2025, claiming it prioritises political interests over the needs of the people. 

“Due to the tremendous blow of inflation, poverty, unemployment in the country, along with the lack of necessary basic facilities such as roads, water, education, peace and comfort, the lives of people in India with a huge population of about 140 crore are quite troubled, which also needs to be resolved through the Union Budget,” she wrote. 

“The Budget of the current BJP government, like that of the Congress, seems to be more about political interests and less about the people and the country. If this is not so, then why is the life of the people continuously troubled, miserable and unhappy under this government too?” she asked. 

Mayawati emphasised the need for the dream of a ‘developed India’ to align with the interests of the marginalised, particularly the Bahujans. - ANI

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed joy about the newly presented Union Budget. While speaking to reporters in Mumbai, he said, “I thank PM Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for a dream Budget. This will give a massive benefit to the middle class, the newly employed. This will lead to an increase in expenditure. MSMEs will benefit. This will lead to employment generation. A bold step taken, is what I can say about the Budget. It is a milestone for India’s financial progress.”

“In the agriculture sector, 100 districts have been identified. Pulses mission - the value chain which will be generated, there will be 100% procurement by the government. For the fisherfolks, credit limit has been increased. In MSMEs, credit enhancement will help. This will lead to maximize employment benefit,” he said. 

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh hits out at the Union Government over the Budget announcements related to nutritional support programmes such as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. 

He criticised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for turning down in the Union Budget the proposals such as inclusion of breakfast in schools, upward revision in honorarium given to Anganwadi workers under Saksham aanganawadi and Poshan 2.0. 

“The Finance Minister has announced the revision of cost norms in Saksham aanganawadi and Poshan 2.0 - after many years of turning down this demand. The FM has, however, not extended this announcement to: 1) Inclusion of breakfast in schools 2) Provision of a glass of milk, as is done in Karnataka through the Ksheera Bhagya Scheme 3) Upward revision in honorarium given to Anganwadi workers,” Mr. Ramesh said in a post on X. - ANI

Taking a swipe at the Modi government over its Budget announcements, the Congress said Bihar appears to have got a bonanza and asked why the other pillar of the NDA, Andhra Pradesh, has been so “cruelly ignored.” 

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Bihar appears to have got a bonanza of announcements.

“It is natural since elections are due there later in the year. But why is (has) the other pillar of the NDA, namely Andhra Pradesh, been so cruelly ignored?” Mr. Ramesh said on X in an apparent reference to BJP allies JD(U) from Bihar and Telugu Desam Party from Andhra Pradesh. - PTI

JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha hailed the announcement of setting up of a Makhana Board in Bihar, saying it will unlock new opportunities for the farmers and entrepreneurs. 

Stating that it will turn out to be a game-changer for the region’s agricultural economy, Mr. Jha said in a post on X, “The initiative will enhance production, processing, value addition, and marketing, driving economic growth in Mithila and Bihar.” - PTI

Taking a swipe at the Centre over the Union Budget, the Congress said while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke of four engines of development, the Budget was “completely derailed.” 

In her Budget speech, Ms. Sitharaman said agriculture, MSME, investments and exports are the four power engines of development. 

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “The FM spoke of four engines: Agriculture, MSMEs, Investment, and Exports. So many engines that the Budget has been completely derailed.” - PTI

Union Minister and Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan hailed the Budgetary announcements. 

“Establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar will strengthen food processing activities in the entire eastern region and increase the income of farmers by improving the quality of their produce,” Mr. Paswan posted on X. - PTI