Union Budget 2026 political reactions LIVE: Budget is historic, foundation for journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, says PM Modi

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has once again given ‘zero’ to Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget, ruling DMK alleged on Sunday (February 1, 2026) and dubbed the annual financial statement as “directionless”.

Reacting to the Union Budget, DMK Spokesperson Constantine Ravindran said that the expectations of Tamil Nadu which will go to polls is one thing, but when we see the Budget as a whole, there is nothing for any sector including the MSMEs. 

“It does not have an aim or goal and in short, it is directionless.” While the Budget has caused overall concern among the people of the country, it has clearly showed that even if election is scheduled in Tamil Nadu, the Union government will not pay even a little bit of attention to the southern state, he alleged.

“Even the high speed rail link is not for operations within Tamil Nadu; one proposed connection is towards Bengaluru and another link terminates in Chennai; hence, Nirmala Sitharaman has again given zero as a gift to Tamil Nadu,” he told PTI.

Even experts are not in a position to declare the objectives of the Budget and stock markets have crashed, he said. — PTI

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday (February 1, 2026) used a cricketing analogy to express his disappointment with the Union Budget, saying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “seems to have missed the ball”.

In an interview with PTI at the news agency’s headquarters, Mr. Tharoor said Ms. Sitharaman’s Budget speech seemed to have “lots of subheadings but very few specifics”, and was “completely short” of an overall vision.

As a Kerala MP, Mr. Tharoor said, he had nothing to be happy about in this Budget.– PTI

Samajwadi Party chief president Akhilesh Yadav, however, launched a sharp attack on the Centre, saying the Budget is meant to aid the BJP’s own people and commissions, calling it an “invisible ledger” of its corruption.

Taking to X, Mr. Yadav said, “The result of the BJP’s Budget is out – the stock market has crashed. We already said that the question was not whether the stock market would open on Sunday, but how much more it would fall.” Reiterating that there was no reason to expect anything positive from the Budget, the former chief minister said, “When there is no hope from the BJP government, what can be expected from its Budget?” Yadav also said the Samajwadi Party considers every BJP budget as a “1/20th Budget” as it caters to only 5 per cent of the population.

“The BJP’s Budget is meant for its own people and commissions. It is an invisible ledger of its corruption,” he alleged.

Mr. Yadav also said the Budget neither mentioned nor cared for the common people, flagging the “failure” to provide tax relief to the public despite soaring inflation as “tax exploitation”.

In a lengthy post, Yadav claimed that while multiple concessions have been given to the businesses and leisure activities of the rich, the plate of expectations of those struggling with joblessness and unemployment remained empty.

“This is a disappointing and condemnable Budget,” he claimed. — PTI

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath terming it a welfare-oriented blueprint for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

In a post on X in Hindi, Adityanath said, “On the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima and the birth anniversary of Sadguru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, the Union Budget 2026-27, presented today by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an inspiring blueprint for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

“This Budget will provide opportunities to the youth, security to farmers, encouragement to entrepreneurs, relief to the middle class, and respect to the labourers.” This was the third Budget of the BJP-led NDA government in its third term in office.

The chief minister said the Budget announcements would give a new impetus to innovation, manufacturing and employment, while strengthening agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, tourism, culture and the country’s knowledge traditions, “thus realising the mantra of ‘Development with Heritage’”.

“Under the guidance of the prime minister, the foundation for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ has been further strengthened by supporting MSMEs, startups and indigenous production. We are confident that this Budget, through social justice, inclusive development and good governance, will pave the way for the India of today and tomorrow,” Mr. Adityanath said, thanking the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for a “visionary” “welfare-oriented” Budget. — PTI

Former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget, saying it would improve the standard of living of the poor, labourers, farmers, women and students.

The comprehensive, all-encompassing and inclusive budget will serve as the blueprint for the Modi government’s visionary approach towards building a developed India, Mr. Soren posted on X.

“This Budget will improve the standard of living of the poor, labourers, farmers, women, students and ordinary people. It will enhance people’s capabilities and provide adequate resources and opportunities for earning to every family,” Mr. Soren said.

He said accelerating the pace of the country’s economic growth was among the Budget’s priorities.

Soren said special attention had been given to increasing the income of farmers and small business owners through initiatives related to cashew, walnut, almond, coconut, coffee and fish farming.

He also said special provisions for khadi, handlooms and handicrafts would bring prosperity to the lives of weavers. — PTI

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday (February 1, 2026) hailed the Union Budget 2026-27, terming it a historic document that laid a strong foundation for India’s golden and developed future.

The first budget, prepared in the Kartavya Bhavan, focuses on three key duties — economic growth and employment generation, meeting public aspirations, and strengthening the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, Mr. Sai said.

The chief minister, in a statement, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the budget would prove to be a milestone for the upliftment of the poor, farmers, youth, women, middle class and the working population.

Chhattisgarh would directly benefit from several provisions, he noted.

India’s economy has been growing steadily at nearly 7%, Mr. Sai said, attributing the growth to the Prime Minister’s strong leadership and visionary approach.

The Chief Minister further pointed out that the budget included significant measures to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy. — PTI

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday (February 1, 2026) said that there was no benefit for the state from the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament.

He, however, said that he is yet to go through the Budget in detail.

“There is no benefit for our state from the central budget. I was observing it. They have named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi now (after repealing the MGNREGA act that was named after Gandhi) ,” Mr. Shivakumar said. — PTI

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the Union Budget was a decisive step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India and asserted it also provides significant strength to the country’s financial capital Mumbai and the rest of the State.

Mr. Shinde hailed the focus on infrastructure and the promotion of micro and medium industries, which he said will act as a major growth engine, as well the significant investment in urban development, particularly for smaller cities.

“Maharashtra is undergoing massive urbanization. The announcement to accelerate the development of tier-two and tier-three cities, alongside Rs 12 lakh crore fund for city development, will change the face of our urban centres. The Rs 100 crore concession for municipal bonds is move that strengthens the state’s municipal corporations,” said Mr. Shinde.

Maharashtra’s status as a manufacturing hub will be further enhanced by the Rs 40,000 crore provision for semiconductors, ₹10,000 crore for biopharma as well as promotion of advanced technology in textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts, he added.

The announcement of the Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad high speed rail corridors will provide a major boost to the State, Mr. Shinde said.

The creation of medical hubs and the promotion of medical tourism would create a surge in jobs within the world-class medical service sectors of Mumbai and Pune, he said.

“This budget is built around three duties: economic development, raising the standard of living of the common man, and development for all. In an era of global instability, India has given a message of self-reliance to the world. Full credit for this foresight must be given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Mr. Shinde asserted.

He hailed the new simplified income tax system and the reduction of import duties on medicines for chronic diseases, which he described as great relief for thousands of patients. — PTI

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee described the Union Budget as a reflection of BJP’s “step-motherly attitude” towards poll-bound Bengal.

Asserting that the saffron party would lose the upcoming Assembly elections, the TMC national general secretary alleged that the BJP was trying to “teach the people of West Bengal a lesson.” “In Bengal, they are losing. So the BJP, with its step-motherly attitude, is trying to teach the people a lesson,” Banerjee told reporters outside Parliament, according to a statement shared by the TMC media cell.

“But in a democracy, it works the other way around. In the coming polls, the people will give a befitting reply to the BJP,” the three-time Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour, said.

Mr. Banerjee alleged that the Centre had deprived West Bengal of its dues under various welfare schemes.

“We have been saying this for the last five years: if this government can show, by releasing a White Paper, that after the BJP’s debacle in the 2021 West Bengal polls even one job-card holder from Bengal under MGNREGA received money through Direct Benefit Transfer, I will quit politics,” he said.

The TMC leader, who is the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, challenged the BJP to “show that in the last four years under the Awas Yojana, in which the Centre provides 60 per cent of the funds, even one person from Bengal received money,” he said.

“They have not given even 10 paise to Bengal under the Gramin Sadak Yojana after the 2021 poll debacle,” he said. — PTI

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. — PTI

Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education Satya Kumar Yadav has lauded the Union Budget 2026–27 saying that it has “clarity of thought, compassion, conviction and courage, which lays a strong foundation for making India “Atma Nirbhar” and achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.”

In a statement on Sunday (February 1., 2026), he said the budget is the best possible under the present global political turbulence and economic challenges. “The budget aims to fulfil three key Kartavyas — accelerating economic growth, meeting the aspirations of the people, and realising the inclusive mission of Sabka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas ,” he said. — THB

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (February 1 2026) 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.

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. — PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Budget announced on Sunday (February 1, 2026) “turbocharges the momentum” to bolster India’s position on the global stage as the most attractive investment destination for a wide range of sectors, from traditional to the new-age ones.

“From manufacturing to infrastructure, from health to tourism, from rural areas to AI, from sports to pilgrimage sites, #ViksitBharatBudget is a budget that empowers the dreams of the youth, women, and farmers of every village, every town, and every city, enabling them to realize those dreams,” Mr. Shah said in a series of messages on ‘X’. — PTI

The Budget tabled in the Parliament is a step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said.

The Budget touches every segment and promotes different dimensions of trade and business, she told reporters after watching the budget presentation at an event in North West Delhi’s Tri Nagar area with local residents.

“It has something for every segment, especially employment generation for youth, cultural heritage conservation and development, sports, rebates for availing education and health services in foreign countries,” said the Chief Minister.

“We have high hopes for Delhi regarding the grants to be provided to the cities for disaster management,” she said.

The budget allocation of 1.4 lakh crore to the states is a great effort that will help them strengthen emergency response infrastructure, Gupta said, congratulating the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a “spectacular” budget of the country. — PTI

The Prime Minister said “India not content with being fastest-growing economy; wants to be third-largest economy.”

“This budget embodies vision of trust-based governance, human-centric economic framework,” said Mr. Modi.

Mr. Modi said “Budget prioritises reducing fiscal deficit, containing inflation; balances high capital expenditure.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 1, 2026) commented on the Union Budget that there is highway of opportunities.

He said “Budget is historic; reflects empowered presence of nation’s feminine strength.”

The Prime Minister said “This year’s Budget is foundation for our journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Mr. Modi said “Budget strengthens foundation of India’s bright future.”

The Prime Minister said “This year’s Budget will give India’s ‘reform express’ new energy and momentum.”

Mr. Modi said “Union Budget reflects aspirations of 140 crore Indians; strengthens reform journey, charts clear roadmap for Viksit Bharat.” — PTI

Union Budget for 2026-27 places infrastructure at the heart of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat2047, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

“With a clear focus on connectivity, manufacturing depth, and regional balance, the Budget outlines a decisive push to build world-class, future-ready infrastructure,” Mr. Gadkari said in a social media post on X.

He said initiatives announced in the Budget reflect a clear vision: infrastructure not just as physical assets, but as an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness.

The Minister also said the Budget for 2026-27 outlines a decisive roadmap centred on farmers, youth, and MSMEs, strengthening the foundations of inclusive growth, innovation, and capital investment as India progresses towards. — PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday described the Union Budget for 2026-27 as “directionless, visionless and anti-people”, which had nothing on offer for her State.

Ms. Banerjee, speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before leaving for New Delhi, also claimed that the Budget had nothing for the common man.

“This Budget is directionless, visionless, actionless and anti-people. It is also anti-women, anti-farmer, anti-education and against the SC, ST and OBC… There is nothing on offer for Bengal in the Budget,” she alleged. — PTI

The ruling BJP in Odisha asserted that the Union Budget 2026-27 has placed the State firmly at the heart of India’s growth story.

“It reflects a clear and confident vision to transform Odisha into a strategic engine of eastern India’s development,” Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal said.

Mr. Biswal said the announcement of 20 new inland waterways, beginning with Odisha, will unlock immense potential for inland transport, trade, and the coastal economy, giving a decisive push to logistics efficiency and regional commerce.

“The East Coast Freight Corridor in Odisha is a true game-changer. It will strengthen ports, boost MSMEs, create large-scale employment, and position Odisha as a critical logistics hub in the national supply chain,” he asserted.

The BJP leader said equally significant is the dedicated rare earth corridor, which will establish Odisha as a strategic centre for clean energy, electric mobility, and future-ready industries.

“The focused push on archaeology, coconut, cashew, and tourism will strengthen rural livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and accelerate coastal and tribal area development, ensuring inclusive and balanced growth,” he said.

“From infrastructure to innovation, from heritage to high-tech, this Budget clearly puts Odisha on the fast track of Viksit Bharat,” Mr. Biswal said. — PTI

Hailing her budget Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called the budget a progressive one.

“It is a progressive Budget that focuses on every sector of the Indian economy. It is a Budget for every citizen. Particularly, the areas of telecom and DoNEAR have received strong impetus in this Budget. It will empower and power India. A lot of institutions and waterways have been allocated to the North East,” Mr. Scindia said.

BJP MP Baijayant Panda said that the series of measures and reforms announced by the Finance Minister during her speech will further reduce inflation and create more employment opportunities.

“With this Budget, the gear has shifted, and it will take forward the efforts undertaken till now for employment generation, to reduce inflation and to become the fastest growing large economy,” Mr. Panda said.

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary said, “This budget prioritises the youth. Many such institutions are being built to provide training and employment for youth… This is a budget that honours content creators. It is a very visionary budget.”

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said,”Aashaon ka Budget hai… It is a far-sighted budget focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, railway, and tourism development. This Budget will lay the foundation of financial prosperity.” — ANI

The Union Budget does not have anything significant for Tamil Nadu that would attract the people’s attention ahead of the Assembly elections due by April, a noted political commentator said on Sunday (February 1, 2026).

Last year, Budget paid pretty big attention to Bihar in a comparative sense, political analyst Sumanth Raman said, adding that there was no similar treatment for the southern State.

Announcements such as those on high speed rail were per se nothing new and would not attract the people in a poll-bound state, he said. — PTI

Union Minister L Murugan said the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was transformative and would accelerate industrial growth and power the country’s journey towards a “resilient and Viksit Bharat.” 

To strengthen manufacturing in strategic and frontier sectors, Union FM Sitharaman has proposed transformative initiatives in the budget 2026, including Biopharma SHAKTI, India semiconductor mission 2.0, electronics components manufacturing scheme, dedicated rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, Mr. Murugan pointed out.

“These measures will accelerate industrial growth, boost self-reliance and power India’s journey towards a resilient and Viksit Bharat. #Viksit BharatBudget #Budget2026”, Murugan, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said in a social media post. — PTI

“This budget strongly continues the progress of the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked by rapid growth, low inflation, poverty reduction, and employment gains. Its focus on tourism, infrastructure, MSMEs, and the small-scale sector reflects a broad and impressive set of initiatives that will keep India’s economic story moving forward,” says BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda