In a media briefing,  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to concerns regarding the recent budget's lack of focus on India's middle class, assuring, "In the full budget, we'll hear everyone's voices."

Sitharaman clarified that the presented budget was interim, stressing that significant announcements concerning taxes, employment, and job creation would come in July. She stated, "There was never a doubt about including pre-election giveaways. None. In fact, I mentioned before that it's an interim budget and there won't be any flashy announcements."

Expressing confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential third term, Sitharaman hinted at another budget later this year.

Questions arose over Sitharaman's decision to maintain current income tax slabs. Typically, governments engage in pre-election spending to woo voters. However, the Modi government opted for fiscal prudence over populist measures, despite seeking a third consecutive term.

Economists observed that recent BJP victories in some states and the completion of the Ram Mandir ceremony in Ayodhya provided electoral reassurance.

Whether seen as electoral strategy or not, the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility is evident, even amidst elections in the world's largest democracy. Notably, the government increased the capex target to a record high to stimulate demand and consumption, benefiting all Indians.

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