Kerala Budget 2026 LIVE: Finance Minister to present State Budget today; key announcements anticipated ahead of Assembly polls

Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal at his residence before leaving for Budget presentation in Thiruvananthapuram on January 29, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will present the 2026-27 State Budget on Thursday (January 29, 2026) in the Legislative Assembly. The Budget, the final one of the current CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, is being keenly watched for surprise announcements with Kerala expecting Assembly polls in a few months’ time. 

Expect a realistic and practical State Budget: Kerala Finance Minister Balagopal

It is to be seen how the Budget will address some major pending issues including the LDF manifesto promise of hiking the social security pensions ₹2,500, an assured pension scheme for government employees, and the pay revision demand by government employees. Ahead of his sixth Budget presentation, Mr. Balagopal had stated that Kerala can expect a “realistic and practical” Budget which would reflect the LDF’s conviction that it would continue in power in the State.

Kerala economy records ‘strong’ 6.19% real growth in 2024-25, says Economic Review

The Economic Review 2025 tabled in the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (January 28) had noted that Kerala had posted strong growth in 2024-25 with the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) clocking 6.19% growth in real terms. The Kerala Budget is being tabled ahead of the Union Budget and the announcements regarding the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission. (With inputs from agencies)