Union Budget – BJP Pushes Back Against Congress Criticism of Fiscal Strategy

Union Budget -The Union Budget for 2026–27 has sparked a sharp political exchange, with the Bharatiya Janata Party firmly defending the government’s economic approach after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the budget’s direction and intent.

The BJP responded on Monday by rejecting claims that the budget lacks vision, arguing that the government has balanced growth priorities with fiscal responsibility at a time of global uncertainty. Party leaders said the opposition’s criticism ignores both international economic pressures and improvements in India’s financial fundamentals.

BJP Cites Fiscal Discipline and Long-Term Planning

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said the Congress leadership was overlooking the importance of fiscal discipline while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda. He pointed to what he described as a clear shift in how government finances are being managed.

According to Shah Deo, previous Congress-led governments allowed fiscal deficits to rise sharply without adequate controls. In contrast, he said, the current budget keeps the fiscal deficit close to 4.3 per cent, reflecting tighter financial management. He added that the government’s broader goal of building a developed India rests on maintaining economic stability alongside growth.

Shah Deo argued that fiscal discipline is essential for sustaining investor confidence and ensuring that public spending remains productive over the long term.

Global Slowdown Shapes Budget Priorities

Responding to the Congress claim that the budget lacks policy direction, the BJP stressed the impact of the global economic environment. Shah Deo noted that major economies around the world are experiencing slower growth, with forecasts suggesting continued weakness in the coming fiscal year.

In this context, he said, India is performing relatively well and remains better positioned than many other countries. The budget, he added, reflects this reality by focusing on stability while supporting key sectors of the economy. According to the BJP, ignoring global headwinds presents an incomplete picture of the government’s economic choices.

Congress Raises Concerns Over Jobs and Growth

Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, accusing the Modi-led government of failing to address urgent economic and social challenges. In public statements, he argued that the budget does not offer clear solutions for job creation, manufacturing growth, private investment, infrastructure development or social security.

Kharge also raised concerns about export performance, citing tariff-related risks and a broader slowdown. He said the budget did not adequately respond to issues such as the trade deficit, declining global market share and weakening external demand. According to him, the absence of structural reforms reflects a lack of political resolve.

The Congress president further claimed that inflation, weak consumer demand and rising debt levels have not been tackled effectively. He said farmers, the middle class and marginalised communities were left disappointed by the budget’s proposals.

BJP Rejects Allegations, Highlights Economic Indicators

Dismissing these accusations, Shah Deo said the opposition was deliberately presenting a negative narrative despite what he described as improving economic indicators. He maintained that the budget addresses core sectors while protecting the economy from external shocks.

The BJP spokesperson also defended the government’s emphasis on defence and national security spending. He said strengthening the defence sector remains essential given regional security challenges. Referring to recent military actions, Shah Deo stated that India must remain fully prepared in light of longstanding border tensions with neighbouring countries.

Budget Debate Continues in Political Arena

As the discussion around the Union Budget 2026–27 continues, the BJP maintains that the document strikes a balance between fiscal prudence, economic growth and national security. Party leaders have accused the Congress of misrepresenting facts for political gain, while the opposition insists the government has failed to deliver meaningful economic solutions.

With Parliament and public discourse focused on the budget’s implications, the debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as both sides seek to shape the broader narrative around India’s economic future.