Congress President Kharge Slams Union Budget 2026-27 as 'Devoid of Vision and Will', Accuses Govt of Ignoring Farmers

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government’s Union Budget for 2026-27, calling it lacking in policy direction and political resolve to tackle India’s mounting economic, social and political issues.

In a detailed post on X, Kharge questioned the government’s priorities and declared that the budget failed to offer any meaningful solutions. He sarcastically remarked that the much-publicised “Reform Express” rarely stops at any reform station, while “Mission Mode” has now become the “Challenge Route.”

“Where is ‘Make in India’?” Kharge asked, pointing out that manufacturing’s share in the economy remains stuck at around 13 per cent with no revival strategy in sight. He expressed deep disappointment over the absence of significant support for farmers, noting that the country’s “Annadata” (food providers) continue to wait for genuine welfare measures or an income security scheme.

The Congress leader alleged that economic inequality in India has now exceeded levels witnessed during British colonial rule, yet the budget makes no mention of it and offers no targeted assistance to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and minority communities.

Kharge also criticised the budget for providing no relief to financially strained state governments, asserting that federalism has become a casualty. He said the recommendations of the Finance Commission would require closer examination but appear to offer little comfort to states under severe fiscal pressure.

Highlighting other key omissions, Kharge pointed to the lack of a serious plan to boost employability among youth or increase women’s participation in the workforce. He questioned the outcomes of previous internship and skill development initiatives and noted the absence of any response to challenges such as the export slump, tariff risks, widening trade deficit, declining global trade share and the falling value of the rupee.

The Congress chief further accused the government of ignoring the hardships faced by the poor and middle class, including persistent inflation, declining savings, rising household debt and stagnating wages, with no measures to revive consumer demand. He said private investment lacks confidence-boosting signals, as foreign direct investment trends and wage stagnation have been overlooked, and only minor tweaks have been made instead of structural reforms.

On infrastructure, Kharge remarked that repeated promises have not translated into delivery, leaving Indian cities unlivable and questioning when “Smart Cities” or even basic livable urban spaces would become a reality.

He also noted the complete absence of substantial announcements on social security and welfare, including no mention of allocations for the new law that has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

“This Budget offers no solutions, not even slogans to hide the absence of policy!” Kharge concluded.

In contrast, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the budget, accusing the opposition of indulging in petty politics. He described the Finance Minister’s speech as focused on the interests of the common man and the country’s development, terming the budget a “Reform Express” for achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

“This Budget represents ‘Reform Express’ for ‘Viksit Bharat’. I am very satisfied with the Budget. All these announcements are for the common man in the country,” Rijiju said, adding that criticism from the opposition stemmed purely from political motives.

The Finance Ministry, in an official statement, described the Union Budget 2026-27 as the first to be prepared in Kartavya Bhawan and inspired by three core “kartavyas” (duties): accelerating and sustaining economic growth through enhanced productivity, competitiveness and global resilience; fulfilling people’s aspirations and building their capacities as partners in national prosperity; and ensuring inclusive access to resources and opportunities for every family, community, region and sector in line with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Key fiscal estimates in the budget include non-debt receipts of ₹36.5 lakh crore and total expenditure of ₹53.5 lakh crore. Net tax receipts for the Centre are projected at ₹28.7 lakh crore, with gross market borrowings estimated at ₹17.2 lakh crore and net market borrowings from dated securities at ₹11.7 lakh crore. Revised estimates show non-debt receipts at ₹34 lakh crore, including net tax receipts of ₹26.7 lakh crore.

Also Read: PM Modi Hails Union Budget 2026-27 as 'Historic', Says It Paves Clear Path to Viksit Bharat by 2047