Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Union Budget 2026: Mixed Reactions from Bengal and Poll-Bound States
The Union Budget 2026 has received mixed reactions from different states.
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the budget, highlighting benefits like high-speed rail corridors and new waterways.
However, the opposition in Bihar criticized the budget, saying it didn't bring tangible benefits to the state.
In Bengal, the budget lacked a special package but included infrastructure projects like the Dankuni-Surat freight corridor and a high-speed rail corridor between Siliguri and Varanasi.
While the BJP defended the budget, stating it would benefit various sectors and improve connectivity, opposition parties like Trinamool Congress and Congress criticized it for not addressing Bengal's specific needs and showing step-motherly treatment.
The budget also included announcements for poll-bound states like Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, but these were seen as less generous compared to past budgets.
Overall, the budget has pleased some while leaving others disappointed.
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the Union Budget 2026, highlighting benefits like high-speed rail corridors and new waterways.
Opposition parties in Bihar criticized the budget, stating it lacked tangible benefits and ignored the state's needs.
The budget included infrastructure projects for Bengal, such as the Dankuni-Surat freight corridor and a high-speed rail corridor between Siliguri and Varanasi.
BJP defended the budget, stating it would benefit various sectors and improve connectivity in Bengal, while opposition parties criticized it for not addressing the state's specific needs.
Poll-bound states like Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu received fewer special allocations compared to previous years, with announcements for Buddhist circuits and high-speed rail hubs.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, BJP and Opposition parties
- What
- Union Budget 2026 announcements and reactions from various states
- When
- February 2026
- Where
- India, with focus on Bengal and poll-bound states
- Why
- To analyze the impact and reactions to the Union Budget 2026
BJP and Allies
Opposition Parties
Budget Allocations
BJP and Allies
The budget focuses on infrastructure projects like the Dankuni-Surat freight corridor, Durgapur's connectivity with the East Coast Industrial Corridor, and a high-speed rail corridor between Siliguri and Varanasi, which will benefit Bengal's industries and connectivity.
Opposition Parties
The budget lacks a special package for Bengal and has not addressed the state's specific needs, showing a step-motherly treatment ahead of the elections.
Economic Impact
BJP and Allies
The budget is growth-oriented and will boost sectors like jute, handloom, and provide funds for Metro lines, benefiting various sections of society in Bengal.
Opposition Parties
The budget is directionless and visionless, with no tangible benefits for the people of Bengal, especially farmers, youth, and women.
Political Intentions
BJP and Allies
The budget aims to improve infrastructure and industrial growth in Bengal, which will benefit the people in the long run.
Opposition Parties
The BJP has deliberately chosen not to allocate funds to Bengal, indicating they know they will lose the upcoming elections.
- Budget Year
- 2026
- Key States Mentioned
- Bengal, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Dankuni-Surat Freight Corridor
- Connects Bengal with Gujarat, supporting trade and reducing logistical costs
- Durgapur Connectivity
- Part of the East Coast Industrial Corridor, with direct connectivity to Visakhapatnam
- High-Speed Rail Corridor
- Siliguri to Varanasi, aimed at boosting tourism and connectivity
- Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Scheme
- Focuses on handloom and handicrafts sectors, benefiting Bengal's weaving hubs
- Metro Railway Lines
- Over ₹2,000 crore allocated for extension and infrastructure development
- Purvodaya Scheme
- Development of five tourism destinations across eastern states, including Bengal
- Girls' Hostels
- Plans to set up girls' hostels in every district, benefiting Bengal
- E-Buses
- Introduction of 4,000 e-buses under the Purvodaya scheme
Sources
No big ticket scheme for TN like Bihar got last year, says noted commentator
Budget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman refuses to play ‘Santa’ to poll-bound Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Nitish Kumar welcomes Budget, sees boost for Bihar’s connectivity, jobs; Opposition slams it
No big-ticket sops for poll-bound states in Budget 2026, unlike previous years
‘Nothing for Karnataka’: CM Siddaramaiah slams Union Budget 2026
Union Budget: No benefit for K’taka, meant to benefit BJP in poll-bound states, says Shivakumar
Union Budget Fails Punjab Once Again, Says CM Bhagwant Mann
DC Edit | Poll States: Welcome Lack Of Bias
Don't compare with Bihar, Bengal has received a lot: Samik Bhattacharya defends budget
Nothing for Bengal, BJP knows it will lose polls: Mamata Banerjee slams 'Humpty Dumpty budget'
Three corridors but no Bengal package, focus on connectivity to help state's existing industries
Union Budget 2026 Disappoints Tamil Nadu, Says MK Stalin; Accuses Centre Of Political Neglect
Rahul lists 6 issues 'ignored' in Budget