'With a larger focus on providing rural reform, there seems to be some impact of Rahul Gandhi's "suit-boot ki sarkar" comment. '
Here's what celebrities had to say about Arun Jaitley's Budget...
Richa Chadda
Actress
What is the best thing about the Budget?
On the positive side, I hope that the "pro-rural-agrarian" Budget can put an end to farmers' suicides all across the country. We can't eat cash, we need our farmers to be happy.
The worst?
It' a sad day when the Budget is overshadowed by Leonardo DiCaprio's speech at the Oscars. I had switched off when the service tax became 14 per cent.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
We Indians pay so much tax for such poor infrastructure.
Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
No comment.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
No comment.
Neil Nitin Mukesh
Actor
What is the best thing about the Budget?
It is pro-poor. There is an effort to allocate more resources to deal with the agrarian crisis. I am also in favour of digital literacy, road connectivity, electricity, and housing schemes in rural areas.
The worst?
The opportunity of introducing industry-friendly initiatives to reduce the cost of running businesses is missing.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
There should have been a tax framework that puts greater disposable income in the hands of consumers.
Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
Modi's image as a supporter of big business has been there. This Budget has changed that.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
I would announce reforms that make India more business-friendly, hacking away at obstructive laws.
Tarun Tahiliani
Fashion designer
What is the best thing about the Budget?
It is fiscally responsible in a very difficult environment.
The worst?
There is a lot of micro-level tinkering involved and faint elaboration on the issue of bank recapitalisation.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
The rural and infrastructure reforms and their chain of events will eventually help the common man.
Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
Its impact needs to be seen over a period of time before hazarding a guess. But, I can say that politics is economics.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
I would have addressed the GST Bill and made some tangible announcements that would re-affirm the government's commitment to the liberalisation process.
Prasad Bidapa
Fashion consultant
What is the best thing about the Budget?
Fiscal deficit being contained at 3.5 per cent is a great achievement. Ease of doing business and dispute resolution is a welcome step. Food security is a good reform for children.
The worst?
There are too many new cesses and not enough provision for OROP and the Finance Commission impact.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
Corporate taxes not reduced and no benefit for aam aadmi.
Will BJP gain politically from the budget?
With a larger focus on providing rural reform, there seems to be some impact of Rahul Gandhi's "suit-boot ki sarkar" comment.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
The government's performance record is not impressive so far. But, I am hoping for the best.
Sorabh Pant
Stand-up comedian, founder of East India Comedy
What is the best thing about the Budget?
It is pro-farmer and pro-poor. Beedis are cheaper - that's hardcore implementation of Make in India.
The worst?
The Budget was called "unimaginative". So, do people want tax rebates for dragons? The worst part is how everyone becomes a financial expert.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
Driving a car, drinking and smoking will cost more. So, next time Salman Khan does all that in one night, it may cost him dear.
Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
This one should get BJP more votes at assembly elections.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
I'd remove all taxes and subsidies, and implement all our country's projects by borrowing a few bucks from Robert Vadra.
Laila Tyabji
Chairperson, Dastkar
What is the best thing about the Budget?
Finally, some attempt to look at rural poverty, rather than wooing the urban middle-class and corporate sector.
The worst?
The craft and handloom sector has been ignored. But investment here would alleviate agricultural distress.
Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
There is anxiety at the state of the economy. It remains to be seen whether the Budget can lead to real change for the aam aadmi.
Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
It all depends on how quickly people see results. They have lost their faith in catchy slogans.
If you were finance minister, what would you change?
The Chinese have declared crafts as one of their major sectors of investment. India, too, must go beyond sops and subsidies.
