Mumbai: Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has strongly criticised the Union Budget 2025, accusing the central government of neglecting Maharashtra despite it being the highest tax-contributing state.
Taking to social media, Thackeray pointed out the stark contrast between Bihar’s prominent mentions in the budget and Maharashtra’s complete omission. “Not a single mention of Maharashtra is an outright insult to the state that contributes the highest taxes, including one of the highest GST consistently,” he said.
Unemployment and Tax Rebates
Thackeray also questioned the budget’s approach to unemployment, stating that while income tax rebates have been announced, the government has failed to address job creation. “When unemployment is at its highest, there’s no mention of a solution to it,” he remarked, adding that tax benefits are meaningless if people do not have stable incomes.
Infrastructure and Capital Expenditure Criticism
On infrastructure, Thackeray alleged that the government’s capital expenditure model promotes a “contractor-based economy,” where “favoured contractors get contracts,” leading to poor road conditions across Maharashtra’s highways. He highlighted that while ₹11.1 lakh crore was proposed for capital expenditure last year, only ₹10.1 lakh crore was actually spent.
Aviation Infrastructure Concerns
Thackeray also criticised the government’s announcement of 120 new airports under the UDAAN scheme, questioning why Pune’s long-demanded new airport was ignored. He further raised concerns over previously launched airports that have since ceased operations.
Thackeray’s strong criticism reflects growing dissatisfaction among Maharashtra’s leadership, with many echoing similar concerns over the budget’s alleged bias and lack of attention to the state’s pressing issues.
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