One political commentator said it on TV : The govt. is wary of presenting a budget that is seen as pro-business. Considering the election experience in Delhi and Bihar, and keeping in mind the forthcoming election in an important state of UP, the govt. had no choice but to showcase a budget as being pro-poor, pro-farmers etc. Even if it meant that the business friendly image of the govt. would take a hit. There is already a united opposition which the govt. finds it difficult to manage. And they do not want to give them a further excuse to beat them up.....
Further, the political strategy of the govt. is to do the minimal required and set the stage so as to be able to win the next general election of 2019. Once the basics and essentials are taken care of in the first five years, the next term can give the govt. the freedom and the flexibility to carry on its pro-business agenda....