In Chandigarh, a sharp political divide has emerged over the Union Budget 2026, with Haryana's ruling party and opposition offering starkly contrasting views on its implications for the state. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his ministerial colleagues have lauded the budget as a transformative document, while the Congress party has dismissed it as a letdown for the common citizen.
Government's Visionary Praise for Budget Initiatives
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described the Union Budget as a visionary and historic blueprint that aligns with India's development goals. He emphasized three core visions: speed, capacity, and inclusive support. Saini highlighted the allocation of Rs 12.2 lakh crore for capital expenditure in the financial year 2027, noting that this historic investment will significantly boost industrial infrastructure in states like Haryana.
The development of City Economic Regions is expected to provide new momentum to Haryana's economic landscape, Saini added. He also pointed to the Rs 10,000 crore provision for the MSME sector, which he believes will prove highly beneficial for Haryana's small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, the budget's focus on developing 15 archaeological sites is set to bring global recognition to Haryana's rich historical heritage, including sites like Rakhigarhi.
Ministerial Support for Fiscal and Project Growth
Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel echoed Saini's sentiments, terming the Union Budget a major game changer for Haryana's fiscal health. Goel asserted that the budget will accelerate growth-oriented projects across the state. Key initiatives such as the Delhi-Gurgaon-Faridabad Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), the expansion of IMT Kharkhoda, the establishment of an EV park, and the development of industrial corridors in Haryana are poised to receive a significant boost.
"This budget will open lakhs of new employment opportunities for the people of Haryana," Goel stated, underscoring the potential job creation benefits from these infrastructure projects.
Congress Opposition's Critical Stance
On the opposing side, Congress leaders have expressed deep disappointment with the Union Budget, arguing that it fails to address the pressing needs of Haryana's common man. Leader of Opposition Rao Narender Singh, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala were among those who quickly criticized the budget.
Rao Narender Singh pointed out that the budget lacks concrete measures to tackle inflation, unemployment, and farmer loan waivers. "Cuts in schemes like MGNREGA continue, along with delays in payments, which are weakening rural employment," he remarked. He further alleged that the budget primarily benefits big industrialists and the wealthy, rather than the broader population.
Allegations of a Black Budget
AICC General Secretary and MP Randeep Singh Surjewala went a step further, labeling the budget as a "black budget" that deprives the poor of their rights. He criticized it as politically directionless, policy-wise bankrupt, and detrimental to exploited and deprived sections of society. Surjewala's comments reflect a broader opposition narrative that the budget overlooks social welfare and equity concerns.
The debate over the Union Budget 2026 in Haryana underscores the ongoing political tensions in the state, with both sides presenting divergent perspectives on its economic and social impact. As discussions continue, the focus remains on how these budgetary allocations will translate into tangible benefits or shortcomings for Haryana's residents.
