Samajwadi Party's Prayagraj Unit Condemns UP State Budget 2026-27 as Anti-People
The district unit of the Samajwadi Party in Prayagraj has launched a scathing critique of the Uttar Pradesh state budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, which was presented by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Wednesday. Party leaders have labeled the budget as "anti-people, directionless, and disoriented," asserting that it fails to address the pressing issues faced by the state's residents.
Budget Disconnected from Ground Realities, Says Party Spokesperson
According to Samajwadi Party spokesperson Dan Bahadur Madhur, the government's lofty claims in the budget are completely out of touch with the harsh realities on the ground. "While the govt made lofty claims, the budget was completely disconnected from ground realities," Madhur stated. He highlighted that people across Uttar Pradesh are grappling with severe challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and farm distress, yet the budget offers no concrete solutions to these fundamental problems.
Madhur emphasized the plight of the state's youth, who are "wandering from door-to-door in search of employment," but noted that the budget lacks a clear and actionable plan for creating permanent jobs. He accused the government of merely juggling figures and repeating old announcements under the guise of development, rather than implementing substantive measures.
Insufficient Provisions for Agriculture and Rural Sectors
The Samajwadi Party has raised significant concerns about the budget's handling of agricultural issues. Party leaders pointed out that the announced provisions for the agricultural sector are insufficient and fail to provide adequate relief. They criticized the government for its unclear policy on critical matters such as:
- Minimum support price (MSP) for crops
- Irrigation facilities
- Availability of fertilizers and seeds
- The goal of doubling farmers' income
In response, the party has demanded the implementation of a separate and effective plan to ensure:
- Farm loan waivers
- Free irrigation for farmers
- Fair prices for agricultural produce
Disappointing Allocations for Education and Healthcare
The budget has also come under fire for its perceived shortcomings in the fields of education and health. Samajwadi Party leaders described the allocations as disappointing, noting that concrete financial provisions were not made to improve the condition of government schools and hospitals. They highlighted a severe shortage of doctors and teachers in rural areas, which they argue the government should have addressed through targeted funding and initiatives.
Furthermore, the party alleged that many public welfare schemes launched during the previous Samajwadi government have been either discontinued or weakened under the current administration. This, they claim, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, particularly in underserved regions.
Call for a People-Centric Budget
In conclusion, the Samajwadi Party's critique centers on the belief that the budget fails to serve the public interest. Madhur argued, "If the budget was truly in the public interest, concrete provisions would have been made to provide relief to villages, farmers, labourers and small businesses." The party's stance underscores a broader call for a more inclusive and effective budgetary approach that prioritizes the needs of all segments of society, especially those most affected by economic hardships.
