‘Template Budget Without Direction’: Gaurav Gogoi Targets BJP Over Union Budget

GUWAHATI: Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Gaurav Gogoi, on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government, describing the Union Budget 2026–27 as a “template budget” that lacks vision and fails to address the challenges of a rapidly changing global economic scenario.

Reacting to the budget through a post on social media platform X, Gogoi said the document reflects the government’s complacency and irresponsible mindset at a time when the global economy is undergoing decisive transformation. He alleged that the budget offers no clear roadmap for India’s future and fails to inspire confidence among citizens.

The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects complacency at a moment when the country needed vision, purpose, clarity and urgency. It was a template budget and offered no real roadmap even as shifting global conditions demand foresight and preparedness.

Had it been an election year, the…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) February 1, 2026

Gogoi remarked that had it been an election year, the BJP would have attempted to present an aggressive budget with promises of long-term reforms. However, he said, the present budget lacks both courage and foresight, indicating a government content with merely “coasting through” the next three years in power without any sense of urgency.

According to Gogoi, the budget shows no ambition for structural transformation of the Indian economy and instead appears focused on providing comfort and concessions to select corporate interests and entrenched big business groups. Drawing a comparison with the international context, he said countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Japan are undertaking decisive reforms to strengthen their domestic economies, while India has been offered hesitation, uncertainty and growing anxiety.

“The Union Budget has failed to address both the present and future economic needs of the country and exposes the BJP government’s lack of vision and statesmanship,” Gogoi said.

Earlier in the afternoon, thousands of people on Sunday participated in the massive ‘Save the Community, Save the Land’ padyatra organised by the Assam Pradesh Youth Congress in Golaghat town. The march, organised by the Golaghat District Youth Congress, was attended by Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia, MLA Bhaskar Baruah, and Assam Pradesh Youth Congress President Zubair Anam.

Against the backdrop of recent global political developments related to the Epstein files, Congress leaders and workers displayed posters and banners during the padyatra bearing the slogan ‘Modi–Epstein bhai bhai’.

Addressing a large public gathering at the conclusion of the march, Gogoi said the padyatra was aimed at protecting Assam’s land and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities. He alleged that the present state government is handing over land belonging to the “sons of the soil” to corporate houses and outside interests, warning that indigenous people could be left landless if the trend continues.

Gogoi further alleged that no community in Assam has been spared betrayal by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government. He accused the government of making false promises, including assurances of Scheduled Tribe status to six communities and land pattas for tea garden workers, which, he claimed, have not been fulfilled.

Criticising the closure of government schools, Gogoi said educational institutions in interior areas, particularly in tea garden and Mising regions, have been shut down, while liquor shops have been opened instead. He questioned whether society can remain safe when liquor and drugs surround communities, accusing the government of undermining social fabric by promoting alcohol sales.

He also alleged widespread unemployment among youth, while syndicates dealing in coal, sand and stone continue to thrive. Gogoi claimed that government contracts are concentrated among a handful of contractors based in Guwahati, depriving small contractors of opportunities. He further said small shopkeepers are struggling due to the rise of online platforms, alleging that the state government remains indifferent to their plight.

Launching a personal attack on the Chief Minister, Gogoi accused him of abusing sections of society to divert attention from governance failures and alleged scandals. Questioning the Chief Minister’s projection as a “big Hindu leader,” Gogoi said true Hindu values stand for civility, strength, progressiveness and generosity, which he claimed are absent in the present administration.

Calling for a “New Greater Assam,” Gogoi said the state needs politics rooted in peace, harmony, productivity, ethics and ideals, and urged people to remain united.

At the beginning of his address, Gogoi paid tribute to senior Golaghat Congress leader and APCC General Secretary Golap Saikia, expressing condolences to the bereaved family and praying for peace to the departed soul.

The meeting was attended by APCC Working President Rozelina Tirkey, Assam Pradesh Youth Congress in-charge Mitendra Darshan Singh, co-in-charge Jishan Ahmed, and several senior party leaders and workers.

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