New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The BJP on Monday vigorously defended the Union Budget 2026-27, countering the sharp criticism from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the government’s economic strategy.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo emphasized that the Congress was neglecting fiscal responsibility and the realities of the global economy while attacking Prime Minister Modi’s vision for development.

“Kharge must recognize that Prime Minister Modi has a definitive vision for Viksit Bharat. During Congress's long tenure, the fiscal deficit often spiraled out of control, lacking fiscal discipline. The total fiscal deficit was exceedingly high. Currently, it stands at about 4.3 percent,” Shah Deo stated to IANS.

In response to Kharge’s assertion that the budget lacked a clear policy direction, Shah Deo noted that the opposition was selectively ignoring the global economic downturn. “One must first acknowledge that the world is experiencing an economic slowdown. Nearly all major economies are witnessing a decline, and forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year also suggest sluggish global growth. In this context, India is emerging as a beacon of hope and is in a significantly stronger position,” he added, stating that the budget addresses all vital sectors of the economy.

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Union Budget 2026-27, accusing the Modi-led government of lacking a coherent policy vision and failing to provide solutions to urgent socio-economic issues such as job creation, manufacturing, private investment, infrastructure development, and social security. He also raised concerns about “tariff risks and a slowdown” in exports, claiming that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered “no solution to the export slump, tariff risks, trade deficit, and diminishing global share.”

“The Modi-led Union government has exhausted its ideas. The #Budget2026 does not present a single solution for India’s numerous economic, social, and political challenges,” Kharge stated in a post on X, accusing the government of dodging essential structural reforms. He further asserted that the budget illustrated a lack of political will to address inflation, weak consumer demand, and rising debt while letting down farmers, the middle class, and marginalized communities.

Dismissing these accusations, Shah Deo argued that Congress was intentionally portraying a negative image despite India’s strengthening economic fundamentals. He also defended the government’s commitment to national security. “It was crucial to bolster our defense sector. The recent Operation Sindoor demonstrated the valor of the Indian Armed Forces as they executed strikes inside Pakistan. While we have already delivered a strong response to Pakistan, we must remain fully prepared, as we have longstanding hostilities with two or three neighboring countries,” he said.

The BJP spokesperson asserted that the Union Budget reflects a balance of fiscal prudence, growth, and national security, accusing the Congress of misleading the public for political gain as the debate over Budget 2026-27 intensifies.