NEW DELHI: Issues like farmer distress, unemployment and Agniveer will have to be tackled.
Modi 3.0 this time has a different set of challenges as this is for the first time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not get a majority for his party on his own. So the budget of Modi 3.0 is going to be crucial. The budget is significant as there are issues like farmer distress, unemployment, and the Agniveer scheme, which were used to hurt the Modi government in the Lok Sabha elections. The opposition has already highlighted these issues.
The budget, which will be presented on July 23, will be the first to reflect the alliance’s influence. The NDA government, formed with the support of parties like TDP and JDU, faces pressure from these allies to secure substantial financial assistance for their respective states.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu has already met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present his requests. Nitish’s party has also submitted its proposal for a special package.
Additionally, the pressure of the Agniveer scheme continues even after the elections. JDU, has sought changes in the Agniveer scheme. The government has made certain amendments before the situation goes beyond repair. They started by announcing a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the CISF and BSF. Further significant announcements are expected in the budget. The entire opposition is gearing up to emphasize Agniveer as a key issue in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Unemployment is also an issue, as well as the farmers’ problem. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has started a movement for the legal guarantee of minimum support prices and loan waiver to put pressure on the government ahead of the budget.
Despite the government’s efforts to calm the situation by announcing MSP for certain crops, the SKM is demanding a guarantee. In the upcoming week, they will submit their demands to leaders of various parties and plan nationwide protests. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewala has urged farmers to prepare for a march to Delhi. However, formal talks between the government and farmers have not yet commenced. This farmers’ movement could impact the elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
The opposition has been eagerly waiting for this movement to surface again and will grab the first chance to target the ruling government.
In the current political landscape, the BJP’s success in Haryana and Maharashtra is crucial for strengthening the NDA’s position at the Centre. Unfavourable outcomes could present significant challenges for the Central government. The Finance Minister is expected to prioritize farmers and youth in the budget, and consider increasing income tax exemptions for salaried individuals to assist the middle class. Government employees are also hopeful for pension reforms. While this marks Modi 3.0’s debut budget, aligning it with electoral priorities is essential for coalition cohesion.