Shimla, March 21 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday defended his government's budget, saying it has been presented with the view of making the state prosperous and not for any political gain, while Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur criticized it, saying the dignity of the budget has been torn to shreds.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, CM Sukhu said the budget will decide the direction of self-reliant Himachal and strengthen the rural economy.

"We have presented this budget with the view of making the state prosperous, and it has not been presented for any kind of political gain. This budget will decide the direction of self-reliant Himachal. In the rural economy, we have given rates to ginger, turmeric...