New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has ignited a heated political debate, with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticising the government’s economic policies, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended it as a transformative step for India’s future.
Congress Criticism: ‘Band-Aid for Bullet Wounds’
Shortly after Sitharaman presented the budget in Parliament, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took to social media to lambast the financial plan, calling it a “band-aid for bullet wounds.” He accused the Modi-led government of lacking innovative solutions to address the country’s economic challenges.
“A band-aid for bullet wounds! Amid global uncertainty, solving our economic crisis demands a paradigm shift. But this government is bankrupt of ideas,” Gandhi posted on X.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the budget misleads the public and fails to address critical economic concerns. He specifically pointed out that while the government has collected Rs 54.18 lakh crore in income tax over the past decade, the latest tax relief measure offers only minor savings to the middle class.
“The Finance Minister herself claims that the exemption up to Rs 12 lakh will result in a saving of Rs 80,000 per year, which is just Rs 6,666 per month. Meanwhile, the entire country is struggling with inflation and unemployment, but the Modi government is busy seeking false praise,” Kharge said.
Kharge further criticised the budget for lacking concrete measures to support youth, women, farmers, and marginalised communities. “Modi ji had promised a big step for women’s empowerment, but nothing happened. There is no roadmap for doubling farmers’ income, no concessions in GST on agricultural inputs, and no plans for health, education, or scholarships for Dalit, tribal, backward, poor, and minority children,” he added.
He also pointed out the absence of reforms to boost private investment, job creation, or tackle declining consumption, dismissing flagship initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Skill India as mere announcements with little tangible impact.
PM Modi’s Defence: ‘Budget of Aspirations’
In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Union Budget, calling it a “force multiplier” for India’s development.
“Today is an important milestone in India’s development journey. This is the budget of the aspirations of 140 crore Indians; this is a budget that fulfills the dreams of every Indian. We have opened many sectors for the youth. This is going to drive the mission of a developed India. This budget is a Force Multiplier,” PM Modi said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, delivering her eighth consecutive budget, announced several measures targeting different sectors, including agriculture and the middle class. A major highlight was the expansion of income tax exemptions, with individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh per annum now exempt from paying income tax, up from the previous limit of Rs 7 lakh.
While the BJP hails the budget as a game-changer for economic growth, the Congress remains steadfast in its criticism, arguing that the government has failed to bring substantial relief to the common citizen. With the 2024 general elections still fresh in political discourse, the budget has become another flashpoint in the battle between the ruling party and the opposition.
