Budget 2026 Avoids Major Sops for Poll-Bound States, Breaking from Past Patterns
In a notable departure from previous years, the Union Budget for 2026 has made little to no mention of major sops or allocations for the poll-bound states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This stands in stark contrast to five years ago, when these states received significant financial attention and specific projects in the budget announcements.
A Shift in Budgetary Focus
The Centre has adopted a more muted approach this time, avoiding the kind of big-ticket announcements that have often characterized budgets ahead of assembly elections. For instance, while Assam is set to benefit from the establishment of Buddhist circuits and a regional centre of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Tezpur, these are relatively minor compared to past allocations. Similarly, Chennai and Siliguri have been announced as hubs for high-speed rail corridors, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are included in a rare earth metals mining scheme, but no specific financial details have been provided.
Comparison with Previous Budgets
This year's budget pales in comparison to previous instances under both the NDA and UPA governments, where poll-bound states frequently received substantial allocations. For example, in the 2021-22 budget, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu were granted thousands of crores for highway projects and other initiatives. More recently, the budgets of 2024-25 and 2025-26 triggered political rows due to their special emphasis on Bihar, which went to polls late last year, including allocations for a Makhana Board and infrastructure projects.
Historical Context of Budget Allocations for Elections
Since 2014, the Union Budget has made specific announcements for 21 out of 72 poll-bound states in assembly elections. Key instances include:
- 2025-26: Special announcements for Bihar ahead of its elections, including financial support for agricultural projects and airport expansions.
- 2024-25: Allocations for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar post-NDA win, with significant funds for capital development and infrastructure.
- 2023-24: Focus on Karnataka and Telangana with projects like the Upper Bhadra Project, while other states received no special mentions.
- 2021-22: A bumper budget for the current poll-bound states, with massive highway and welfare allocations.
UPA Era Precedents
During the UPA years, budgets also frequently targeted poll-bound states, with 24 out of 70 assembly elections seeing specific allocations. Examples include:
- 2013-14: Focus on Chhattisgarh with green revolution funds and road projects.
- 2011-12: Allocations for rice cultivation in Assam and West Bengal, and new universities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- 2006-07: Special assistance for Jammu and Kashmir and expressway projects aimed at Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Implications and Analysis
The absence of major sops in Budget 2026 suggests a strategic shift by the Centre, possibly aiming to avoid political controversies or focusing on broader national priorities rather than state-specific electoral gains. This move could have significant implications for the upcoming assembly elections, as voters may perceive a lack of targeted benefits. However, it also raises questions about the consistency of budgetary practices and the role of federalism in India's fiscal policy.
Overall, Budget 2026 marks a clear break from the tradition of showering poll-bound states with financial incentives, highlighting a evolving approach in India's political and economic landscape.
