Budget Disappointment Unveiled
Congress leaders, including Shashi Tharoor and Jebi Mather, voiced significant disapproval of the Union Budget, asserting that it neglected Kerala. They
pointed out the absence of explicit mentions of the state, even in areas where it has substantial strengths. Tharoor expressed surprise at the budget's failure to recognize Kerala's capabilities, particularly in sectors such as ship repair, and suggested that more clarity was needed from the detailed budget documents. He also noted the omission of key projects, such as those related to high-speed rail, which Kerala had hoped for. The overall sentiment was that the budget fell short of expectations and needed further examination for a comprehensive assessment.
Missing Kerala Mentions
The Congress leaders’ criticism focused on the lack of Kerala-specific provisions in the Union Budget. While references to fishermen and coconuts were included, which could indirectly relate to Kerala, the absence of direct mentions of the state was striking. Tharoor highlighted the surprising oversight in areas where Kerala has a strong presence, using ship repair as an example. He emphasized that the budget speech offered only a few broad headlines instead of concrete project details relevant to Kerala. Specifically, Tharoor mentioned the absence of an All India Institute of Ayurveda in Kerala, a project that was anticipated and aligned with the state's traditional strengths in Ayurveda. The leaders believed these omissions demonstrated a lack of consideration for Kerala's specific needs and capabilities.
Market's Negative Reaction
Another key concern was the negative market reaction following the budget presentation. Mather noted the sharp fall in stock markets, indicating widespread dissatisfaction. She interpreted this as a sign that the budget was not favorably received by market forces. Tharoor wryly commented on the market's disappointment, suggesting it reflected broader issues with the budget's content and direction. The Congress leaders' observations coincided with wider opposition criticism, which also highlighted regional imbalances and a lack of detail in major policy initiatives. This market response underscored the perception that the budget failed to inspire confidence or meet expectations.
