Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget presented in Parliament, accusing the Centre of repackaging old schemes and misleading the public, especially the poor, under the guise of new announcements.
‘Budget Meant to Distract People’
Reacting to the budget, Pratapgarhi invoked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during the Bharat Jodo Yatra to underline his criticism. He said the budget followed a familiar pattern of diversion rather than addressing real economic distress.
“Rahul Gandhi said something very insightful during the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” Pratapgarhi told reporters. “When a pickpocket wants to steal your wallet, he distracts you first. Similarly, in this budget, only the names will be changed around.”
‘Old Schemes, New Names’
The Congress MP alleged that the Centre was merely rebranding existing schemes to create the illusion of fresh initiatives, particularly with an eye on states heading into elections.
“New schemes will be announced keeping the election-bound states in mind,” he said,“but in reality, there is nothing new for the common man.”
‘Poor Will Pay the Price’
Pratapgarhi further accused the government of burdening the poor while failing to provide meaningful relief on inflation, unemployment and social security.
“The pockets of the poor will be picked once again,” he said,adding that the budget does little to protect vulnerable sections of society.
Budget 2026-27
The 2026–27 budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman despite being short speech, Sitharaman outlined a clear fiscal and reform roadmap, with an emphasis on fiscal consolidation, infrastructure-led growth and strategic manufacturing.
She pegged the fiscal deficit at 4.3% of GDP for FY27, reaffirming the government’s commitment to debt consolidation, while projecting GDP growth of 6.8–7.2% amid global uncertainty.
Capex Push, Self-Reliance at the Core
The Budget continued the government’s strong infrastructure push, with capital expenditure raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, alongside new initiatives in high-speed rail corridors, inland waterways and private infrastructure financing.
Key sectoral announcements included India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, Rs 10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti, MSME support funds and incentives for rare earths, container manufacturing and chemical parks reinforcing the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.
Sitharaman avoided major populist tax announcements, keeping income tax slabs unchanged, while announcing compliance simplification through the new Income Tax Act, 2025, set to take effect from April 2026.
