Chandigarh, Feb 1: Political representatives from Punjab and Haryana expressed their reservations following the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, noting that the financial roadmap did not meet the specific needs of the region’s agrarian economy. Critics pointed out a lack of new provisions for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and insufficient industrial incentives for the northern states.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the budget lacked the necessary focus to bolster the state’s economic landscape. He observed that the fiscal plan did not provide the expected relief for the farming community or the industrial sector.
“The Central government’s budget once again fell short of Punjab’s expectations. This budget made no concrete announcements on MSP for farmers or youth,” Chief Minister Mann stated. He added that despite the lack of federal stabilizers, the state remains committed to growth. “Together, we will ensure Punjab stands firmly on its feet again,” he said.
Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, shared similar views, suggesting that the state’s requirements for job creation and infrastructure were largely missing from the Union Finance Minister’s speech.
“Budget 2026-27 confirms Punjab has been completely forgotten. No relief for ‘Annadata’ farmers, no jobs roadmap for our youth, no plan for industry or cities,” Bajwa said.
In Haryana, opposition leaders noted that while the state contributes significantly to national revenue, it did not receive a corresponding share in the new budget. Congress MP Deepender Hooda remarked on the imbalance between the state’s GST contributions and its budgetary allocation.
“While Haryana contributes the highest GST collection and toll tax revenue in the country, its share in the budget remains zero,” Hooda noted.
The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, increased capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore and included the development of historical sites like Rakhigarhi. However, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja mentioned that these steps did not address the more pressing challenges of unemployment and rural distress. “This budget neither included any concrete provisions for the farmers of Haryana, nor did it present any clear plan for creating employment opportunities,” Selja said.
