Jharkhand Parties Slam Union Budget 2026-27: 'Worst Ever' for Employment, Farmers, States

Ranchi: Lead ruling alliance partner in the state, JMM, has dubbed the 2026-27 Union budget on Sunday as the “worst budget” of Independent India so far.Writing on its official X handle, JMM said: “Today's budget is the worst budget of Independent India. No solid increase in employment. No relief measures from inflation. No improvement in farmers' income. No justice in devolution of shares to the states. No concrete financial boost for tribal-majority states, farmers, youth, and the poor. This budget is not a document of development, but of ‘deprivation’— weak in data and hollow in intent.”Alliance partners Congress and RJD, too, criticised the budget for ignoring the needs and aspirations of Jharkhand.State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said, “After going through the entire budget speech, it isn’t clear which section of society is the focal point. For whom has this budget been made and who will benefit from it, nobody could understand. Jharkhand plays a key role in providing minerals to the country, but the state has been kept away from the rare earth corridor, while Odisha has been included only because there is a BJP govt there.”He added, “The provision of fewer funds in the MSME sector will discourage medium and small industries. The agriculture sector has faced the most disappointment, as many hoped that the Kisan Samman Nidhi Fund would be increased and scores of exemptions would be announced. This is a completely disappointing budget for Jharkhand.”State RJD spokesperson Kailash Yadav termed it the weakest budget ever. “No concrete mission and vision were visible in the 2026 general budget. Everything is just a smokescreen,” he claimed.Opposition BJP, however, defended it by calling it an “inclusive, development and employment-oriented” budget. State party president Aditya Sahu said, “The budget, focused on the poor farmers and women, will open many paths of possibilities. This budget also talks about developing basic facilities like railways, roads, health, and small cottage industries.”Meanwhile, a budget discussion programme was organised on Sunday at the state BJP office under the aegis of its economic cell. The budget speech presented for the 9th consecutive time by Union finance minister Srimati Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament House was heard in the dignified presence of the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Babulal Marandi.NDA constituent, Ajsu-P, maintained that the budget focused on social justice and security. Ajsu-P chief Sudesh Mahto said, “It’s a step towards inclusive development and social justice as the budget prioritises empowerment of poor, farmers, middle class and small entrepreneurs, et al. It’s an important initiative towards creating a self-reliant India.”