Bhubaneswar, Feb 1 (NationPress) The President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, Bhakta Charan Das, has expressed strong disapproval of the Union Budget for the financial year 2026–27, which was presented in Parliament, labeling it as ‘anti-people’ and ‘directionless’.

In a media briefing, Das alleged that the Union Budget introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman caters mainly to a “select group of industrialists” while failing to address the essential needs of farmers, women, youth, the economically disadvantaged, and the middle class.

He asserted that the budget offers advantages and incentives primarily to certain “capitalists”, thus leaving the broader population feeling “unresolved and disappointed”.

Critical sectors such as education, healthcare, employment generation, agriculture, and women's welfare, he claimed, have been neglected in the budget. The PCC president also raised alarms over the escalating national debt, arguing that the country has seen record borrowing in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He pointed out that while past governments managed national development with limited borrowing, the current administration has accumulated enormous debt, amounting to roughly Rs 200 lakh crore, which includes an estimated borrowing of Rs 17.2 lakh crore for the financial year 2026-27. He noted that at the end of the UPA's tenure, the total national debt stood at Rs 55 lakh crore. This massive debt, he stated, represents a “burden on future generations of India.”

“This level of debt constitutes an assault on the nation’s 140 crore citizens and jeopardizes India's future,” Das added, highlighting that public savings have declined significantly while production and employment opportunities have not improved as promised.

According to Das, household savings have seen a dramatic drop, attributing this to the government's focus on corporate growth rather than public welfare. He claimed that during the UPA administration, household savings constituted 7.4 percent of GDP, whereas it has now decreased to 5.3 percent.

“Though the government speaks of growth, resource distribution is tilted towards large capitalists, sidelining the development of ordinary citizens,” he remarked. With a focus on Odisha, Das argued that the state has not received sufficient attention in the budget.

He commented on infrastructure projects such as freight corridors, asserting that these initiatives mainly serve to enhance the transportation of coal and industrial goods, rather than benefiting end consumers and local communities.

In wrapping up his statements, Das stated, “Had this Budget been genuinely for the people, it would have received favorable feedback. Instead, due to its opposition to public interest, I rate it negatively.” He called on the government to reassess its priorities and emphasize inclusive growth, social welfare, and equitable development, particularly for states like Odisha and marginalized segments of society.