Union Budget 2026 Reactions: Sitharaman's Ninth Consecutive Presentation
On February 1, 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget, a historic moment as it marks the first time in independent India that a Budget will be delivered on a Sunday. This Budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, spanning from April 2026 to March 2027, aims to introduce measures focused on sustaining economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, and implementing reforms to shield the economy from global trade pressures, including U.S. tariffs.
Complex Economic Backdrop and Global Uncertainties
The FY27 Budget arrives amid a complex environment. While domestic demand remains resilient and inflation has eased from recent highs, significant global uncertainties continue to cloud the economic outlook. These include geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, and uneven monetary policies by major central banks. At home, the government faces pressure to boost consumption, accelerate job creation, and step up capital spending, all while keeping the fiscal deficit on a downward path.
Political Reactions and Expectations
As reported by ANI, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed anticipation for the Budget, highlighting concerns about jobless growth. "We are anxious to see what kind of schemes they have in mind to generate more jobs in this country for young people of India," he said, adding that Kerala, with an upcoming election, is looking for benefits from the Central Government.
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav voiced skepticism, stating, "What expectations can we have from the budget being presented by the govt from whom we don't have any expectations? In the last few budgets we have seen, it was for only 5% of the people." He urged the government to assess if it has fulfilled all its promises.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the government's approach, alleging that it is trying to snatch away the financial cover of the poor. He pointed to changes in MGNREGA, noting that on average, only 35 days of the scheme are being used, and decried the centralization of budget decisions away from local panchayats.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi congratulated Sitharaman but expressed hope that the Budget would not be merely electoral. She emphasized the need to address issues like exporters, the weakening rupee, tariffs, and geopolitical cushions, while questioning how growth would translate into job creation and higher per capita income.
Local Support and Development Focus
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed confidence that the Union Budget will positively impact the city's development plans, supporting the goal of building a developed Delhi. She noted Central government involvement in key projects, such as cleaning the Yamuna, constructing sewage treatment plants, and expanding the Delhi Metro, with ongoing financial assistance.
Economic Survey Insights
Ahead of the Budget announcement, the Ministry of Finance's Department of Economic Affairs released the Economic Survey 2025-26 on January 29, providing a detailed analysis of India's economic performance in the current fiscal year and outlining the outlook for the upcoming year. The survey projects good economic growth, but concerns remain about its translation into jobs and broader welfare.
As the nation watches, the Budget is expected to balance growth momentum with fiscal prudence, addressing both domestic aspirations and global challenges in a pivotal economic moment.
