February 1, 2026, New Delhi : The presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today was met with swift and sharp criticism from several quarters of the political opposition. Leaders from the INDIA alliance described the financial roadmap as a missed opportunity that failed to address the pressing economic concerns of the common citizen, particularly regarding inflation and unemployment.
High-ranking members of the Indian National Congress were among the first to react, labeling the budget as lacklustre and non-transparent. Critics pointed out that while the government touted ambitious growth figures, the speech lacked specific details on budgetary allocations for several flagship schemes. Concerns were also raised about the timing of the budget, with some leaders questioning the reliability of the fiscal projections since new base years for GDP and consumer price index data are scheduled for release later this month.
In the southern states, the response was equally critical. Representatives from the ruling party in Tamil Nadu expressed disappointment over what they described as a continued neglect of regional requirements. They argued that the allocation for major infrastructure projects, including urban metro expansions, remained insufficient. Similarly, voices from the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress accused the central government of prioritizing corporate interests over rural welfare, specifically highlighting a perceived dilution of the rural employment guarantee framework.
Opposition members also voiced frustration over the increase in securities transaction taxes, which they linked to the sharp volatility seen in the equity markets following the announcement. Many argued that the budget did not provide enough direct relief to the middle class or a concrete plan to tackle the rising cost of living. As the session concluded, the consensus among opposition ranks remained that the fiscal plan focused more on long-term rhetoric than on providing immediate economic stability for the youth and the agrarian sector.
