Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has launched a sharp critique of the Union Budget 2026-27, stating that the central government has completely failed to meet public expectations. In remarks made on Sunday, she highlighted what she called a "special thing" about the budget: the decline of all stocks on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Budget Fails to Address Economic Challenges
Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed disappointment with the budget, noting that it lacked direction to tackle the country's economic challenges. "The special thing about the budget is that all the stocks of the BSE are in red," she said. "The government has completely failed to meet the expectations from the budget. I was expecting that this budget would give a direction to face the economic challenges in the country. There is no relief for the common man." Her comments came after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, which has sparked mixed reactions across political and economic circles.
Aaditya Thackeray Joins Criticism
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray added to the criticism, asserting that the budget failed to inspire public confidence regarding economic volatility. He particularly emphasized the neglect of Maharashtra, which he described as the primary contributor to the national exchequer. In a social media post on X, Thackeray criticized the BJP administration, suggesting it would be a genuine "gift" to the country if the government focused on challenges beyond electoral cycles.
Thackeray pointed out: "Maharashtra, the largest contributor to the Union government's treasury, is not even an afterthought. Be it GDP, GST, Income Tax, Maharashtra is the largest contributor and proportionally most ignored." He argued that the budget should represent the interests of the entire country, but over the previous decade, the BJP has fundamentally altered these governance norms, leading to disproportionate attention.
Specific Concerns Raised
Thackeray raised several specific issues with the budget:
- High-Speed Rail Corridors: He requested further transparency concerning proposed high-speed rail corridors linking Mumbai and Pune with seven other urban centers, questioning whether the central or state government is responsible for financing these projects.
- City Economic Regions (CERs): Thackeray condemned the plan for developing CERs, which includes a suggested grant of ₹5,000 crore per region over five years. He called this declaration a major joke, following what he termed a "failed Smart City programme" that lasted over 10 years without providing clarity.
- Economic Instability: He noted that the Finance Minister ignored instilling confidence in citizens over economic instability, geopolitics, and the falling rupee, issues that his party once caused national chaos over.
- Climate Initiatives: Thackeray highlighted the lack of substantial support for climate initiatives in a nation highly susceptible to environmental shifts, characterizing the administration as clueless and visionless regarding environmental policy.
Broader Implications
The criticism from Shiv Sena UBT leaders underscores growing discontent with the Union Budget 2026-27, particularly from opposition parties in Maharashtra. As the budget aims to navigate economic challenges, these remarks highlight concerns about market performance, regional equity, and long-term planning. The focus on BSE stock declines and Maharashtra's contributions adds a layer of scrutiny to the government's fiscal strategies, potentially influencing public perception and political discourse in the coming months.
Overall, the budget has sparked debate over its effectiveness in addressing national issues, with leaders like Priyanka Chaturvedi and Aaditya Thackeray calling for more inclusive and transparent economic policies.
