Ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi said she does not have “much expectations,” reflecting muted political hopes. Other opposition leaders raised concerns over economic fundamentals and rural development. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament, as India grapples with slowing revenues and structural economic challenges.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, arriving at Parliament on Sunday, said she does not have many expectations from the forthcoming Union Budget, highlighting a cautious political mood. “I don’t have many expectations, but let’s see,” she told reporters ahead of the speech.
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Her comment came amid broader criticisms from opposition ranks. Congress MP Manish Tewari voiced concerns over deep-rooted structural problems in the Indian economy, saying issues like slowing private investment and a drop in foreign direct investment have persisted without adequate fixes over the past decade. He urged Finance Minister Sitharaman to recognise and address these core economic inequities.
IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer also weighed in, calling the current juncture critical, particularly for rural development. He pointed to the altered structure of MGNREGA, calling it the most revolutionary rural programme in the past, but expressing fears that its changes have weakened its impact. Basheer stressed that without a serious focus on rural livelihoods, the broader development goals could falter.
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Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the customary pre-budget meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, where she was offered the traditional ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) as a good-luck ritual. Accompanied by top officials, including the Chief Economic Adviser and CBDT chief, Sitharaman finalised the last touches before her address in the Lok Sabha at 11 am on February 1.
This year’s Budget speech is significant as it marks Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive presentation, equalling a long-standing record and approaching the highest number of budgets presented by any Finance Minister in India’s history.
