Congress Leaders Launch Scathing Attack on Union Budget 2026-27
Senior Congress leaders have expressed vehement opposition to India's Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, denouncing it as a document that fails to address the nation's most pressing challenges. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has been labeled as directionless and neglectful of critical issues including rampant unemployment, agricultural distress, and widening economic inequality.
Rahul Gandhi's Sharp Critique of Economic Priorities
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi delivered a pointed critique on Sunday, asserting that the budget remains "blind to India's real crises." In a detailed social media post, Gandhi highlighted multiple areas of concern that he believes the budget has overlooked.
"Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks - all ignored," the Congress leader stated emphatically. He characterized the financial plan as "A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India's real crises."
Budget Announcements and Infrastructure Focus
During her parliamentary address, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced several key measures, including a significant increase in capital expenditure targets. The government plans to raise capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27, up from ₹11.2 lakh crore allocated for the current fiscal year.
The budget also introduced numerous initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure development across the country, with particular emphasis on tier-2 and tier-3 cities. These measures come against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties, ongoing trade frictions, US tariff policies, and a noticeable slowdown in export growth.
Congress Leadership's Unified Criticism
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge joined the chorus of disapproval, criticizing what he described as the Modi government's lack of policy vision and political will to tackle India's economic, social, and political challenges. In his assessment, Kharge questioned the government's commitment to its own initiatives, asking pointedly, "Where is 'Make in India'?" while claiming that manufacturing growth remains stagnant at 13%.
Kharge expressed particular disappointment regarding agricultural support, noting that farmers continue to await meaningful welfare measures or comprehensive income security plans. He further alleged that economic inequality has reached levels surpassing those witnessed during British colonial rule, yet the budget fails to acknowledge this reality or provide targeted support for marginalized communities including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority groups.
Surjewala's Blunt Assessment of Budget Substance
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala offered an even more blunt evaluation, describing the budget as 'politically directionless and policy-wise bankrupt.' He characterized the document as containing "Technical Mumbo Jumbo, Zero Substance. Lots of Committees, Zero Deliverables."
Surjewala highlighted specific omissions, stating the budget contains "Not a WORD for FARMERS. Not a WORD for Unemployed Youth. Not a WORD for LABOUR. Not a WORD for SC, ST, OBC's! Not a WORD for Opp. Ruled States!" He metaphorically described the government's reform agenda as "Reform express derailed even before leaving the station."
This budget represents the third financial plan presented by the BJP-led NDA government during its third consecutive term in office. The strong opposition response suggests deepening political divisions over economic policy direction as India navigates complex domestic and international challenges.
