Lucknow: Senior teacher and political analyst of the Department of Political Science, Lucknow University, Professor Sanjay Gupta, believes that this fifth budget of the Yogi government is not an electoral budget at all. In this, instead of making any populist promises or announcements, the state has been given a new path of development keeping in view every section of the society.
Many speculations were rife regarding the fifth budget of Yogi government. If the election is round the corner, the budget is expected to be making enticing promises to the people of the state. Political analysts also anticipated the same. But on Monday, the budget presented by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna put these speculations aside.
It would be completely wrong to call this budget an electoral budget meant merely for wooing the voters. There were no promises made and no populist announcement touted. Rather it has presented an image of a mature budget from a responsible government, where keeping in view current conditions of the state, it seems to be paving way to fulfill the basic needs of every section of the society.
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However, this does not mean that it lacks political acumen and strength. In this budget, arrangements have been made for the development of every aspect and every strata of society in the state. The provisions of the budget are in full compliance with the Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution. A picture of a self-sufficient Uttar Pradesh has been presented.
The matters pertaining to the farmers are a big issue at the moment. The government has tried to provide a strong structure instead of appeasing them. Electricity, water, crop loans etc are the issues that concern every farmer. Corona is another matter of concern for everyone. Everyone has their hopes pinned to the government.
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Every step of the government is being discussed. In such a situation, the state government has given relief to all by making special arrangements in the budget. By announcing institutes like the Institute of Virology, the government has prepared a blueprint to control and research such pandemics in future. Regardless of how it is viewed from a political point of view, its social benefits are immense.
The provisions such as employment, good education for youth, open gym and stadium for sports, reflect the advance thinking of the government. There is a lot of focus on Panchayati Raj in this budget.
This budget is not for election purposes at all. Rather, the state required it in order to move up on the development graph. Its beneficial results will be visible in the future. If it is executed well with effective intent then Uttar Pradesh will be among the leading states in the country.
-- Professor Sanjay Gupta, Lucknow University Department of Political Science
