Union Budget 2026 lacks policy vision, offers no solutions, says Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday (February 1, 2026) said the Modi government has run out of ideas, and the Union Budget for 2026-27 does not provide any single solution to India’s many economic, social and political challenges.

In a post on X, he said there is no policy vision or political will, and this Budget offers no solutions and not even slogans to hide the absence of policy.

“The Modi Government has run out of ideas. #Budget2026 does not provide a single solution to India’s many economic, social, and political challenges.

“‘Mission Mode’ is now ‘Challenge Route’. Reform Express rarely stops at any “Reform” Junction. Net result: NO policy vision, NO political will,” he said in his post.

Mr. Kharge said farmers still await meaningful welfare support or an income security plan.

“Inequality has surpassed the levels seen under the British Raj, but the Budget does not even mention it or provide any support to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Minority communities.

“The Finance Commission’s recommendations will have to be studied more, but they do not appear to provide any relief to State Governments which are under severe financial stress. Federalism has become a casualty,” he said.

“This Budget offers no solutions, NOT even slogans to hide the absence of policy!,” the Congress chief said.

Budget blind to India’s real crises, says Rahul

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Union Budget for 2026-27 is “blind to India’s real crises”, and highlighted how the youth are without jobs, manufacturing is falling and farmers are in distress.

“Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks – all ignored,” the Congress leader said.

“A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India’s real crises,” Mr. Gandhi said in a post on X.

In her speech, Union Finance Minister Sitharaman announced that the target for capex will be raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27 from ₹11.2 lakh crore earmarked for the current fiscal year.

She also announced a slew of measures to boost infrastructure in the country, including in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

The Budget came in the backdrop of global uncertainties, trade frictions and U.S. tariffs and slowdown in exports.

This is the third budget of the BJP-led NDA government in its third term in office.