Union Budget disappointing: Naveen Patnaik

Terming the Union Budget as disappointing, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said it would fuel inflationary trends even as poor and backward regions of the state were denied special development packages announced for some provinces.

"Against the backdrop of soaring food prices, there is no mention whatsoever about the much promised scheme of delivery of rice and wheat to the common people at Rs 3 per kg," Patnaik said in a statement.

Fearing that hike in the prices of diesel and petrol was expected to further fuel the inflationary trends in the country, Patnaik said, "This is likely to have a cascading effect on the prices of all other commodities as well."

Similarly, while the budget proposals contained special development schemes for some states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, none was announced for the poor and backward regions of Orissa, he rued.

"For these reasons, I express disappointment with the 2010-11 Union Budget," the chief minister said.