Randhawa calls Punjab budget for 2026-27 ‘directionless’, ‘play of numbers’

Chandigarh: Punjab former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa ion Sunday termed Punjab's Rs 2.61-lakh-crore budget for the 2026-27 fisca as "completely directionless, anti-people, and merely a play of numbers". He said that while the figures may have increased in the budget, the reality on the ground shrank. According to him, the budget presented in an election year contained only big claims, but no clear policy that can be implemented at the grassroots. He added that on the occasion of International Women's Day, the govt deceived women. "They should have been given the entire five-year amount at the rate of Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,500 per month," he said.Randhawa alleged that the govt did not provide any concrete solution to farmers' problems in this budget, nor did it present any solid plan for youth, employees, or traders. "The people of Punjab had high expectations from this budget, but once again the govt disappointed them. What real benefit will the common people get from this budget?" he asked.He added Punjab iwas already under a heavy debt, but the govt presented no concrete roadmap to reduce debt or improve the state's financial condition. On" the contrary, the govt is continuously taking new loans, which will further weaken the state's economic situation," he added.Randhawa called farmers "the backbone of Punjab's economy". "Yet, this budget offers no significant relief to them. There should have been major announcements regarding farm loan waivers, crop diversification, and strengthening irrigation facilities. However, the govt limited itself to announcements and promises and ignored these critical issues of farmers," he said.