Left parties slam budget, say common man will be burdened

Left parties on Friday attacked the Union Budget, saying it will increase the financial burden on common people and lead to rise in prices.

"The roadmap given by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee makes it clear that this budget will increase financial burden on common people," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters outside Parliament.

"There is a relief of Rs 4,500 crore (Rs 45 billion) in Direct Taxes but there is a burden of Rs 45,000 crore (Rs 450 billion) in Indirect Taxes. This will result in increase in prices and will further burden common people," he said.

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The Finance Minister said that we are on the brink of a resurgent India but "instead of creating an inclusive pattern of growth, in the name of fiscal consolidation, the burden is being put more on people. This is not bearable and not justifiable and not acceptable," he said.

CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said the budget was "purposeless and clerical" one.

There was no need for a Finance Minister to present this budget as it could have been done by a Government clerk as it is "purposeless and direction-less", he said.