Opposition Leaders Launch Fierce Attack on Modi Government Over Union Budget 2026
Prominent opposition leaders have unleashed a wave of criticism against the Narendra Modi-led government following the presentation of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget, which was announced on February 1, 2026, has been labeled as "lacklustre" and "disappointing" by key political figures from across the spectrum.
Key Criticisms from Opposition Voices
The opposition's response has been unified in its condemnation, focusing on several critical areas where they believe the budget falls short. Here are the main points of contention raised by the leaders:
- Akhilesh Yadav's Perspective: The Samajwadi Party chief described the budget as "beyond the understanding of the poor and villagers." He emphasized that the proposals fail to address the pressing issue of job creation, suggesting that the budget benefits only a small fraction of the population, approximately 5%.
- Mamata Banerjee's Outrage: The West Bengal Chief Minister expressed strong dissatisfaction, accusing the central government of neglecting her state. She dismissed the mention of "three corridors" as "garbage lies," and highlighted that Bengal receives no substantial allocations while its GST revenues are being diverted elsewhere.
- Shashi Tharoor's Disappointment: The Congress leader pointed out the absence of specific mentions for Kerala in key sectors. He noted that the budget lacks details on initiatives for Ayurveda and ship repair, areas crucial to Kerala's economic and cultural landscape.
- Shatrughan Sinha's Sharp Critique: The actor-politician labeled the budget as "phenku-lapetu," a term implying superficiality and lack of substance. He criticized it for failing to deliver on promises related to employment generation, debt relief for farmers, and overall welfare measures, arguing that it does not align with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Broader Implications and Political Fallout
The collective backlash from opposition leaders underscores a deepening political divide over economic policies. The criticisms are not merely rhetorical but reflect broader concerns about:
- Job Creation: A recurring theme in the attacks is the perceived inadequacy of measures to boost employment, which remains a critical issue for India's growing workforce.
- State Fund Allocation: Leaders like Mamata Banerjee have raised alarms about the equitable distribution of resources, accusing the central government of favoring certain regions over others.
- Policy Priorities: The opposition argues that the budget overlooks key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and traditional industries, instead focusing on narrow interests.
As the political discourse intensifies, these criticisms are likely to shape public opinion and influence upcoming electoral battles. The Modi government, on its part, has defended the budget as a step towards sustainable growth and development.
