AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang Voices Discontent Over Union Budget 2026's Treatment of Punjab
In a strong critique from Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party MP from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, expressed profound disappointment with the Union Budget 2026, stating it offered nothing substantial for farmers and labourers in Punjab. Reacting to the budget announcements on Sunday, Kang highlighted the absence of concrete measures to address the agrarian distress plaguing the state.
Key Concerns Raised by the AAP Parliamentarian
Kang pointed out several critical omissions in the budget that directly impact Punjab's agricultural community. "There were no concrete announcements on minimum support price (MSP) guarantees, crop diversification support, or advancements in food processing to address agrarian distress," he said. This lack of policy action, according to the MP, leaves farmers and labourers without the necessary support systems to navigate economic challenges.
Furthermore, Kang criticized the disparity in sports infrastructure funding between states. "While Punjab was praised for leading the nation in sports, the numbers expose the harsh irony. Gujarat received Rs 606 crore for sports infrastructure under schemes like Khelo India, while Punjab got significantly less in comparable allocations, despite our state's massive, unmatched contribution to India's sporting excellence and national pride," he elaborated. This allocation gap, he argued, undermines the recognition of Punjab's sporting achievements.
Symbolic Gestures Versus Tangible Policy Actions
The AAP MP acknowledged some positive developments, such as the inauguration of the civil terminal at Halwara airport and the renaming of Adampur airport as Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur, which he described as a fitting tribute on the saint's birth anniversary. However, he emphasized that symbolism and ceremonies cannot replace real policy action.
Kang also questioned the lack of concrete commitments to launching international flights from key airports in Punjab. "Where is the concrete commitment to launching international flights from Halwara and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, truly connecting Doaba's vast diaspora in the UK, US, and Europe?" he asked, highlighting the need for better connectivity to support the diaspora and boost economic ties.
Broader Political Context and Reactions
In a post on X, the Lok Sabha member extended his criticism beyond the budget, noting that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit proved even more disappointing, offering little beyond words and gestures." This statement reflects a broader political dissatisfaction with the central government's approach to Punjab's issues.
The budget has sparked reactions from various political quarters, with figures like Mamata Banerjee also criticizing it as having "nothing for the common man." Meanwhile, details on tax slabs and cost changes under Budget 2026-27 continue to be analyzed, but Kang's focus remains on the specific neglect of Punjab's core sectors.
As Punjab grapples with challenges like excess January rain and ongoing surveys, Kang's remarks underscore the demand for more targeted and effective policy interventions from the Union government to support the state's farmers, labourers, and sports infrastructure.
