Budget 2026 Presentation in Lok Sabha: A Subdued Affair with Measured Opposition Response
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Budget, titled the "Viksit Bharat Budget," in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The proceedings, which lasted approximately an hour and a half, were characterized by a notably muted atmosphere, with limited disruptions from the Opposition benches. This marked a departure from the usual heated exchanges, as most Opposition MPs, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, were observed diligently taking notes and sharing insights among themselves, rather than engaging in loud protests.
Opposition Leaders' Reactions and Criticisms
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, among the first Opposition leaders to arrive, was seen in deep discussion with party MPs seated near the Congress benches. Following the presentation, Akhilesh Yadav described the Budget as "beyond comprehension" for the poor, alleging that critical sectors such as education and health had been neglected. He argued that the Budget offered mere "dreams" rather than tangible solutions to address the pressing needs of the common people.
Congress MP Imran Masood raised concerns over the allocation of funds in Uttar Pradesh, questioning why resources appeared concentrated around Varanasi, the Prime Minister's constituency. "Uttar Pradesh is bigger than Varanasi. There is nothing for the average citizen," he stated, highlighting regional disparities in the Budget's provisions.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi rated the Budget a disappointing "four out of ten," pointing to the negative market reaction as evidence of its shortcomings. "The markets have already given their verdict. Everything is in the red," she remarked, underscoring the economic implications of the fiscal plan.
Proceedings and Interactions in the House
On the treasury side, Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a group of senior Union ministers, including Dharmendra Pradhan and Piyush Goyal, who were present to support the Budget presentation. Apna Dal leader and Minister of State Anupriya Patel was also observed interacting with MPs across party lines, fostering a sense of bipartisan engagement despite the underlying tensions.
Finance Minister Sitharaman entered the House at 10:58 am, shortly before tabling the Budget, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister's arrival was greeted with "Bharat Mata ki Jai" slogans from the treasury benches, while the Opposition responded with "Jai Samvidhan," reflecting the ideological divide in the chamber.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra moved across benches, interacting with party colleagues ahead of the proceedings, adding to the dynamic yet restrained environment.
Specific Protests and Regional Concerns
Some reaction from the Congress benches was noted during announcements related to southern India, particularly a proposed freight corridor through Tamil Nadu. MPs from Kerala questioned the absence of projects for their state, highlighting regional imbalances in infrastructure development. Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, along with West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, are poll-bound, making these allocations politically sensitive.
Protests were also raised over incentives announced for fishermen and cashew and coconut producers, as well as the lack of any proposal for new AIIMS institutions. These issues underscored the Budget's perceived shortcomings in addressing sector-specific and healthcare needs across the country.
The overall tone of the Budget presentation was one of measured dissent, with the Opposition choosing to voice criticisms through statements and targeted protests rather than widespread disruption. This approach suggests a strategic focus on substantive debate over theatrical opposition, as the nation grapples with the implications of the "Viksit Bharat Budget" for economic growth and social welfare.
