BKU Leader Rakesh Tikait Lambasts Union Budget 2026-27 for Overlooking Rural India's Plight
In a sharp critique delivered from Agra, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Chaudhary Rakesh Tikait declared on Sunday that the Union Budget 2026-27 has completely failed to address the fundamental concerns of rural India, which encompasses the nation's farmers, labourers, and tribal communities. He asserted that the budget document appears detached from the harsh ground realities faced by these groups.
No Concrete Relief for Farmers Amid Rising Costs and Debt
Tikait highlighted the absence of any provisions for a farm loan waiver or a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), which he described as offering no tangible relief to farmers grappling with escalating input costs, persistent inflation, mounting debt burdens, and declining incomes. He expressed particular disappointment with the unchanged annual income support of Rs 6,000 under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
"There was a genuine hope that this amount would be increased to at least Rs 12,000, considering the relentless inflation. This support is our right. We submit our detailed demands in writing every year, yet we see no significant changes," Tikait stated, underscoring the growing frustration among the farming community.
Employment and Social Security Concerns for Labourers
The BKU leader pointed out that the budget presented no measures to boost employment opportunities, raise minimum wages, or ensure social security for farm labourers. He issued a stern warning that unemployment among rural youth could deteriorate further if these issues remain unaddressed by policymakers.
Opposition to Seeds Act and Ineffective Crop Insurance
Tikait announced that the upcoming Seeds Act would be vehemently opposed by farmers' groups. "Adulterated seeds are being sold in the market without proper government monitoring, and farmers suffering crop losses are not receiving adequate compensation. The existing crop insurance scheme has proven largely ineffective, especially when crops are destroyed by water-related issues," he explained, highlighting systemic failures in agricultural support mechanisms.
Neglect of Tribal Issues and Urban-Corporate Bias
Furthermore, Tikait criticized the budget for not giving due priority to critical issues affecting tribal communities, including water access, forest rights, land ownership, education, healthcare, and livelihood security. He accused the budget of disproportionately favouring urban and corporate interests at the expense of rural welfare.
"This budget seems crafted in boardrooms, not in fields or villages. It is imperative for the government to fundamentally rethink its policies, placing farmers and rural India at the very core of its economic vision," Tikait urged, calling for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to governance.
