Senior Punjab Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu today criticised the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it a disappointing and anti-Punjab, that offers nothing for farmers, middle class or industry, while completely ignoring the state’s worsening economic situation.
Sidhu said that despite repeated demands, the Budget had failed to provide a legal guarantee on the MSP, betraying the farming community. He pointed out that Punjab, which was reeling under a massive debt burden and agrarian distress, had once again been denied a special financial package, reflecting a step-motherly treatment towards the state.
“What is even more shocking is that there is not a single mention of Punjab in the entire Budget speech, even while discussing agriculture, despite Punjab being the backbone of the country’s food security,” he said.
He further stated that the Budget had failed to address rising inflation and price rise, offering no real relief to common households struggling with increasing costs of essential commodities, fuel and daily services.
Sidhu added that the middle class had been completely ignored, with no meaningful tax relief or job-creating measures, while Punjab’s industries and MSMEs had received no targeted support to revive growth and employment.
Calling the Budget a missed opportunity, he said it once again proved how disconnected the government was from ground realities and reiterated that Punjab’s interests had been sidelined.
Realises vision of developed India: BJP
Chandigarh: Punjab BJP vice-president Subhash Sharma said the Budget reflected the government’s strong commitment to economic sovereignty and fulfilling public aspirations. The increase in public capital expenditure to ?12.2 lakh crore is a significant step towards building a future-ready economy.
He further stated that the emphasis on nurturing sports talent under the Khelo India Mission and granting industry status to the AVGC sector (animation, visual effects, gaming and comics) was a commendable initiative that would create new employment opportunities for the youth. The establishment of AVGC labs in schools and colleges, along with creative technology institutions, will give a fresh impetus to India’s creative economy, he added