Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday dubbed the state Budget “completely bogus” and accused the Mahayuti government of failing to fulfill its election promises. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, includes a Rs36,000 crore provision for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Laadki Bahin scheme. However, it does not address the promised hike in the monthly stipend for women beneficiaries from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100.
“Mahayuti made all the promises, but none of them are reflected here,” Thackeray told reporters.
Thackeray also criticised the government for granting a Rs1,100 crore bank guarantee to sugar mills linked to the ruling coalition while ignoring the pending dues of Rs16,000 crore for the BMC. “The BJP-led government has prioritised sugar mills close to them, while funds for Mumbai's development are still pending. What is the reason behind this?” Thackeray questioned.
He also opposed the proposed metro line connecting Mumbai International Airport with Navi Mumbai International Airport.
“If the airport is managed by the Adani group then why is the Maharashtra government spending taxpayers' money for the construction of a metro line connecting them? The expenditure for constructing the metro line should be borne by the Adani group,” Thackeray said.
When asked whether he plans to go to the court against the state government, the former chief minister said, “If I go to the court, it will take 2-3 elections to get a verdict. This government had made false promises for coming to power”.
