Ahmedabad: Terming the Union Budget as "directionless", Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said there was no relief in it for the common man.
"The Budget reflects the Congress-led UPA Government's political instability, as well its inability to fight burning issues like corruption, inflation and unemployment. It shows absence of political will which is necessary for development," he said.
Describing the Budget for 2012-13 as "anti-people", "lackluster" and "absolutely disappointing", Modi said it will not usher in good days for the country.
"Relief for the common man is just missing," the BJP leader said.
Modi said an additional burden of Rs 80,000 crore - Rs 40,000 crore in today's Budget and Rs 40,000 crore in the Railway Budget, would adversely affect the general public.
About hike in excise duty and service tax, the Chief Minister dubbed the move as "cruel" and it would affect labour intensive employment avenues like tourism.
The Finance Minister's proposals do not show any direction for planned development, Modi said.
Citing an example of the Centre's "mismanagement" of economy, he said the fiscal deficit has increased from 4.6 per cent last year to 5.1 per cent this year, and the market borrowings from Rs 3.53-lakh-crore to Rs 4.79 lakh crore.
The Budget also fails to address key issues related to the farm sector and women's empowerment, Modi claimed.
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