Bengaluru, Feb 1 (PTI) Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said that the union budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will be a major step in realising the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

He described it as a budget that prioritises farmers and simplifies the lives of the middle class.

"This budget reflects PM Narendra Modiji’s vision and farmer-centric approach. It strongly emphasises organic farming, sustainability, and reducing input costs to benefit farmers," the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, said in a statement.

Further, he added that this is a budget that strengthens farmers, increases their income, empowers the rural economy, and prepares Indian agriculture for future challenges.

Kumaraswamy also expressed satisfaction with the strong push given to the electric vehicle (EV) sector in the budget.

"The government is committed to increasing EV production and expanding charging infrastructure across urban and rural areas," he said, adding that the budget places special emphasis on making India, a global hub for EV manufacturing.

According to Kumaraswamy, the allocation of Rs 1.5 lakh crore as interest-free loans to states for 50 years, is a bold step to strengthen state economies.

"The budget also boosts the 'Make in India' initiative. Special plans are in place to position India as a global manufacturing hub for toys and other industries," Kumaraswamy said. PTI JR SSK ROH

Farmer centric budget measures boost agricultural sustainability and incomes while advancing EV manufacturing and state financing support. The budget prioritises agricultural support and middle class relief by promoting organic farming, reducing farmers' input costs, and strengthening rural incomes; it pairs these measures with a long term loan facility for states and targeted industrial policies to expand electric vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing competitiveness.