RAJ CM ASHOK GEHLOT’S VOTER FRIENDLY BUDGET

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented his last budget before the state goes to polls later this year.

Riding on this budget are Gehlot’s, and that of Congress’, fortunes. Last year his budget was described as populist and there was suspense over how much more he would be able to offer to keep voters on his side for a fourth term as chief minister.

With a fair chunk of the budget going towards the welfare of farmers and the poor, his spell may continue to charm voters from those sections. Free electricity to farmers up to 200 units and an LPG cylinder for Rs 500 under Ujjwala scheme may attract a frown from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but for Gehlot these allocations could prove to be a game changer.

An estimated 76 lakh people will benefit from the Ujjwala scheme. Insurance scheme for livestock, interest free loans to farmers

Looked at in totality, this year’s budget can be called a caring budget and helps the CM to approach his voters with confidence.

How will voters respond and how will the state navigate its financial burden remains to be seen from co-operative banks subsidised housing loans for farmers point to the importance the government has given to agriculturists.

As it has a Rs 19,000 crore inflation relief package for the masses hit hard by the rising prices. This will include distribution of free food packets for the poor every month. The medical cover of Rs 25 lakh under the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme also targets the poor for good reason.