Title - Cong hails Bansal’s budget as people friendly, BJP terms it pro-Congress

The BJP criticised the Railway Budget presented by Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday, while the Congress hailed it as a people-friendly budget. BJP leaders in the city termed it as a pro-Congress budget. They stated that Bansal had made the path easier for the Gandhi family for the forthcoming budget. Tandon stated that there is no relief given to the citizens."As an eye wash, no increase in the fare was declared, as a 21 per cent hike was announced last month. Apart from that, rates of railway freight, tatkal ticket, cancellation of ticket and surcharges have been increased to burden the common people. Increase in the railway freight will definitely affect essential commodities. Connectivity of Chandigarh to other stations should have been increased," BJP leaders rued. Senior BJP leader Harmohan Dhawan said that the people of Chandigarh had great exceptions from the budget with Bansal being a local MP."Nothing has been granted. The increase in freight charges and surcharges of the railway has put more burden on industrialists," Dhawan said.The city unit of Congress applauded Bansal for the budget. Congress city unit chief B B Bahl said no hike in fares was a good sign. Chandigarh Congress spokesperson Pardeep Chhabra said that of the 67 trains introduced, five were for Chandigarh, and the city would be connected to many religious places. The budget also includes safety of women, as eight women Railway Protection Force squads will be added for the same. Congress leaders H S Lucky and Devinder Babla also appreciated the budget stating that there were several announcements that would benefit all sections of society.BSP convener Haffiz Anwar ul Haq said, "There will be a hike in the prices of tickets due to surcharges. While the Congress is praising the budget, there is nothing much to offer to the citizens.''