The Narendra Modi-led administration unveiled the inaugural budget of its third term (Budget 2024) on 23 July, marking a significant financial roadmap for the nation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, delivering her address in the newly inaugurated Parliament House, outlined a series of ambitious initiatives and allocations, with a pronounced emphasis on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. The budget has sparked a plethora of reactions from the political spectrum, reflecting the diverse perspectives on the government's fiscal priorities.

Film star turned politician Kamal Haasan, leader of the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, added his voice to the discourse via a poignant tweet. He wrote, Congratulations on a NDA budget, hope to have an INDIA budget soon. #Budget2024, a comment laced with criticism and a call for a more inclusive financial plan that caters to the nation as a whole.

Kamal Haasan's critique was a pointed commentary on the perceived favoritism in the budget, suggesting that the central government had disproportionately favored states aligned with its political allies. This assertion was underscored by the substantial allocations made to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, as well as Jharkhand, within the budget framework.

In her budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government's commitment to a Vikasit Bharat (developed India), affirming the nation's economic growth and the declining inflation rate. The budget featured a notable commitment of 15,000 crores in the form of loans to Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, alongside additional special funds for the state. Sitharaman also mentioned the possibility of further funding in exceptional circumstances.

Kamal Haasan's satirical tweet, however, sparked a mixed reaction from netizens. Some dismissed his commentary as stemming from a lack of understanding of the intricacies of the budget, while others countered his criticism by referencing the budgetary implications of his own political endeavors. Amidst the dialogue, Kamal Haasan's tweet gained virality, becoming a trending topic in the realm of digital political discourse.

In conclusion, the presentation of the 2024 budget has not only outlined the government's financial agenda but has also served as a catalyst for political debate, with Kamal Haasan's critique reflecting a broader conversation on the nature of fiscal policy and its alignment with national interests. As the dialogue continues, it is clear that the budget has stirred a spectrum of reactions, from acceptance to dissent, highlighting the multifaceted impact of fiscal decisions on India's socio-political landscape.