Is Budget 2026 a Step Toward Viksit Bharat or Just for Corporates?
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Key Takeaways
Bhopal, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Union Budget for 2026-2027, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Sunday, has elicited varied responses from political factions in Madhya Pradesh.
While the Opposition party, Congress, criticized the budget, labeling it a 'corporate budget', the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed it as a "step toward Viksit Bharat".
The BJP's State Chief, Hemant Khandelwal, remarked that the Union Budget is designed to invigorate the service sector and enhance electronics manufacturing, aiming to increase the Production Linked Incentive under the Electronics Manufacturing Services scheme to Rs 40,000 crore.
He emphasized, "The allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for the MSME Growth Fund will mark a pivotal moment for industry, investment, and employment opportunities."
Khandelwal further praised the proposed 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' scheme, which allocates Rs 10,000 crore over five years, aimed at positioning India as a global leader in bio-pharma manufacturing.
"These initiatives will foster a robust ecosystem for domestic biologics and biosimilars production in the country. Additionally, the announcement of a girls' hostel in every district is a commendable move towards ensuring the safety and education of girls," he added.
The BJP plans to commence a 15-day statewide campaign from Monday (February 2) to promote the Union Budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.
BJP leaders and Ministers will engage with the populace in both urban and rural areas to communicate the benefits of the Union Budget.
In contrast, the Congress party in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh criticized the Union Budget for 2026-2027, claiming that the Centre has neglected laborers, farmers, and unemployed youth.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and senior Congress figure, Umang Singhar, expressed that the middle class anticipated tax relief, but the central government has once again let them down.
"While massive loans can be forgiven for large corporations, ordinary taxpayers are overlooked. This budget appears to serve corporate interests rather than the common populace," Singhar stated.
Singhar, recognized as a rising tribal leader in Madhya Pradesh, also criticized the budget for not offering special relief to tribal communities and others facing migration challenges.
"This budget only brings disappointment to the common people. The BJP government has demonstrated its indifference towards the nation's common man," he asserted.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari, during a visit to Rewa district on Sunday, remarked, "The BJP government, which came to power with grand promises, has shattered the aspirations it presented 12 years ago regarding education, health, employment, and rural and urban development."