On February 1, 2026, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced his discontent with the Union Budget, likening it to a cricketing mishap where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "seems to have missed the ball." In an interview, Tharoor articulated that the budget lacked the necessary specifics and overarching vision that the nation demands. As a Member of Parliament from Kerala, Tharoor expressed that there was little to celebrate in this budget, particularly regarding job creation, which remains a pressing concern for many citizens.
Tharoor pointed out that the budget speech was filled with subheadings yet lacked substantial details. He remarked, "There was nothing for the states...many states have complained that they don't have enough to fulfil their obligations to their citizens." The static fiscal devolution at 41% was a particular point of contention for him, highlighting the need for more equitable financial distribution among states. He noted that Kerala, which has long awaited an All India Institute of Medical Sciences, received no assurances in this regard.
- Missing specifics — Tharoor criticized the budget for having many subheadings but few actionable details.
- Concerns over job creation — He emphasized that the budget failed to address employment generation adequately.
- State support lacking — Fiscal devolution remains unchanged, affecting state capabilities.
Tharoor further elaborated on the absence of concrete proposals for Kerala, stating, "Even when coconuts and cashews were talked about, the state wasn't mentioned." He expressed disappointment over the lack of focus on local needs, particularly regarding the ship repair industry, which he felt should have been prioritized given Kerala's extensive waterways. His critique resonated with many constituents who are looking for a budget that acknowledges regional disparities and addresses local economic issues.
He concluded by expressing skepticism about the budget's potential to usher in a new era of reforms, describing it instead as a series of disjointed subheadings without a unifying vision. Tharoor's feedback reflects a broader sentiment among political observers that the budget does not adequately cater to the aspirations of the middle and lower classes, which are crucial for India's socio-economic development. His remarks raise critical questions about the government's approach to addressing the needs of its citizens and the future trajectory of the Indian economy.
