New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has voiced strong criticism of the Union Budget 2026-27, asserting that the administration is out of touch with the urgent economic and social issues facing the nation.

In his response to the Budget, Gandhi pointed out its failure to tackle significant challenges such as unemployment, a decline in manufacturing growth, capital flight, reduced household savings, and distress among farmers.

"There are youth without jobs, a decrease in manufacturing output, investors withdrawing their capital, household savings diminishing, and farmers in turmoil—all of which have been overlooked. This Budget is blind to India's genuine crises, refusing the necessary course correction," he stated in a post on X.

Other opposition figures have echoed Gandhi's sentiments, criticizing the Budget for lacking structural reforms and failing to implement substantial measures to stimulate growth, create jobs, and offer assistance to vulnerable groups amid global economic challenges.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav linked the recent stock market downturn to the Union Budget, accusing the BJP of neglecting the needs of the general populace.

"The outcome of the BJP's Budget is evident—the stock market has plunged significantly. We previously indicated that the pressing issue was not whether the market would open on Sunday, but how much lower it would drop," he wrote on X.

He contended that the Budget serves only a small fraction of the population. "This Budget is tailored for merely five percent of India's citizens," he claimed, alleging it was crafted to "secure commissions and benefit the BJP's allies."

Describing the Budget as "an invisible ledger of BJP-style corruption," Yadav criticized the government's economic priorities.

The SP leader remarked that it neither addresses the average citizen's concerns nor demonstrates any empathy towards them. "At a time when inflation is soaring uncontrollably, the lack of tax relief amounts to blatant 'tax exploitation'," he noted.

He added that while the affluent receive "multiple exemptions" for business and travel, those struggling with unemployment are left with "an empty plate of hope."

"The middle class feels utterly betrayed," he stated, emphasizing that the underprivileged continue to suffer due to insufficient support.

He also condemned cuts to social security, labeling them as "mere formalities" rather than substantive actions.

Akhilesh Yadav further asserted that farmers, laborers, workers, traders, and small business owners have seen no relief from the Budget.

"Even with a telescope, they cannot identify anything intended for them. This Budget is profoundly disappointing and unacceptable," he concluded.