“I have studied the Budget and found that it did not have much to offer the backward areas of the state. But we are hopeful of getting a special package for Bundelkhand and Purvanchal,” she told mediapersons today.

She added that there has been no change in her demand of a Rs 80,000-crore-package for these two regions. “I will soon be writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh again in this connection,” she added.

Though Mayawati appreciated the waiver of farmers’ loan that amounts to Rs 60,000 crore, she at the same time expressed concern over the condition of farmers who have taken loans from private moneylenders.

“Over 80 per cent farmers take loans from private lenders. The government has also not clarified from where it will get the money for loan waiver,” Mayawati added.

Terming the Budget as ‘populist’, presented by the UPA keeping in mind the upcoming general elections, she argued, “If the UPA government was serious on issues of farmers, it would have made these announcements immediately after taking over, in its first Budget, rather than waiting for the election year.”

Meanwhile, Mayawati also announced creation of 1,80,000 permanent posts of sweepers for each of the revenue village in the state. Announcing this at the Assembly today, she said that the step would also ensure cleanliness of villages, beside providing jobs to many people.