Union Budget 2026: Reactions from NDA Parties and Opposition
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, eliciting a range of reactions from political parties. This marks her ninth consecutive budget presentation, during which she announced an increase in capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for the upcoming fiscal year, up from Rs 11.2 lakh crore. The total budget size is set at Rs 53.5 lakh crore, with the Centre planning to allocate Rs 1.4 lakh crore to states as tax devolution and estimating net tax receipts at Rs 28.7 lakh crore.
Government’s Focus on Growth and Development
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed strong support for the budget, highlighting its focus on various sectors of the economy. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the government’s commitment to harnessing India’s growth potential, citing a growth rate of approximately 7.5% and a significant reduction in inflation to 1.7%. He noted the substantial increase in capital expenditure, which has risen from Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 12 lakh crore over the past year. Scindia described the budget as one that would empower India and propel it towards its developmental goals.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju referred to the budget as the “Reform Express” for a developed India, asserting that the announcements are designed to benefit the common man. He criticized the opposition for their negative stance, suggesting that the infrastructure developed would ultimately serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the budget’s emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and the promotion of corporate partnerships, viewing it as a fresh approach to economic development.
Mixed Reactions from Opposition Parties
The Congress party responded to the budget with disappointment, labeling it as lacking in specifics and failing to address pressing economic issues. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted concerns such as youth unemployment, declining manufacturing, and farmers’ distress, claiming that these critical issues were overlooked in the budget. He criticized the government for not providing solutions to the economic challenges facing the country, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, stating that the budget did not offer meaningful support for marginalized communities or address growing inequality.
In Kerala, Congress MP KC Venugopal expressed frustration over the budget’s neglect of the state, particularly in light of promises made regarding the establishment of an AIIMS facility. He argued that the budget favors corporate interests over the needs of ordinary citizens. Similarly, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor pointed out that the budget provided little reassurance for the middle and lower-middle classes, emphasizing the unchanged fiscal devolution rate and its implications for state finances.
Support from Regional Parties
The Shiv Sena, a partner in the NDA, praised the budget for its positive impact on taxpayers and industries affected by international trade pressures. MP Milind Deora noted that the budget should be evaluated against the backdrop of global economic instability, highlighting its provisions for small taxpayers and support for manufacturing, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party, described the budget as a strong foundation for a developed India, emphasizing its focus on infrastructure and self-reliance.
The Samajwadi Party’s chief, Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the budget for neglecting fundamental issues such as education and health. He argued that a more substantial allocation for education is essential for realizing the vision of a developed India. Dimple Yadav, another SP MP, echoed these concerns, stating that the budget failed to address the needs of women and youth.
Criticism from the Trinamool Congress
The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) voiced strong objections to the budget, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the central government of neglecting West Bengal. She claimed that the state has not received its fair share of funds and criticized the government’s fiscal policies. TMC MP Saugata Roy remarked that the finance minister’s budget presentation lacked innovation, repeating previous schemes without introducing new initiatives.
Overall, the Union Budget for 2026-27 has sparked a wide array of reactions, reflecting the diverse perspectives of political parties in India. While the government and its allies celebrate the budget’s focus on growth and development, opposition parties express concerns over its adequacy in addressing the pressing economic challenges faced by the nation.
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