In a pointed critique of the Union Budget presented on February 1, 2026, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed his disappointment by using a cricketing analogy, stating that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "seems to have missed the ball." In an interview, Tharoor remarked that while the budget speech was filled with subheadings, it lacked the necessary specifics and an overarching vision for the country's economic future.
As a Member of Parliament from Kerala, Tharoor conveyed his dissatisfaction, stating that the budget provided little to cheer about for his constituents. He pointed out that the most pressing issue, job creation, was largely absent from the discourse. Tharoor remarked, "I don't know if she's been stumped yet, but she certainly seems to have missed the ball," highlighting the disconnect between the budget's proposals and the pressing needs of the public.
The Congress leader further criticized the budget for its failure to address key areas affecting the middle and lower classes. He noted that fiscal devolution remained unchanged at 41%, leaving many states, including Kerala, struggling to meet their obligations to citizens. Tharoor emphasized, "There was nothing there for the states," which reflects a broader concern about the equitable distribution of resources among different regions.
- Concerns over job creation — Tharoor highlighted the lack of initiatives aimed at generating employment opportunities in the budget, calling it a significant oversight.
- Kerala's absence in allocations — He noted that despite Kerala's prominence in Ayurveda, the budget failed to specify the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the state, which has been pending for nearly 15 years.
- Welfare measures criticized — The lack of clear welfare measures, except for a vague reference to the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana, was another point of contention.
Tharoor also pointed out the absence of clarity regarding the financing of the G RAM G Act, expressing concern over the overall direction of the government's policies. He lamented the lack of notable quotations from Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, which had become a staple in previous budget speeches, suggesting a disconnect with regional sentiments ahead of upcoming elections.
Overall, Tharoor's analysis reflects the broader discontent among opposition leaders regarding the budget's effectiveness in addressing critical socio-economic issues. His critique underscores the need for the government to provide a clear, actionable plan that resonates with the aspirations of the populace, particularly in terms of employment and regional development.
