Kerala Leaders Criticize Union Budget 2026

Leaders from Kerala and Karnataka, along with senior Congress leaders, have criticized the Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

They argue that the budget neglects their states and lacks foresight in addressing key economic challenges.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP from Kerala, said the budget neglects Kerala, which is disappointing, especially in an election year.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the budget disappointing and lacking foresight, stating that Karnataka and the entire southern India have not been given anything significant.

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram criticized the budget for failing to address major economic challenges highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26.

He pointed out that the budget cuts crucial expenditures, impacting common people and key sectors.

The government, however, claims that the budget addresses the needs of all sections of society and that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.

The budget aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.3% of GDP for FY27 and achieve a debt-to-GDP ratio of 50% by 2030-31.

Despite the criticism, the government maintains that the budget is designed to serve the entire nation.