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Kharge Slams Union Budget as 'Old Policies'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 7:33 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: Delhi, Karnataka, INDIA

New Delhi, February 1st, 2026 - Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, delivered a scathing critique of the Union Budget 2026-27 today, branding it as a continuation of "old policies" and lamenting a perceived lack of innovative thinking from the Modi government. His statement, released immediately following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation, sets the stage for what is expected to be a contentious parliamentary session marked by rigorous opposition scrutiny.

Kharge's central argument revolves around what he perceives as a fundamental deficiency in the budget's approach: a failure to address critical economic challenges facing India. He specifically highlighted three key areas of concern - employment generation, rural development, and social welfare - asserting that the budget offered no concrete solutions or discernible focus on these crucial aspects of national progress.

"Where are the jobs?" Kharge demanded in his statement. "Where is the focus on rural India? What about the welfare of our vulnerable populations? This budget has no answers." This rhetoric taps into persistent anxieties surrounding India's unemployment rate, particularly among young people, and the often-uneven distribution of economic benefits across urban and rural landscapes. The questions posed are likely to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, particularly those in agrarian communities and those dependent on social safety nets.

Beyond the lack of specific programs, Kharge also raised concerns regarding the government's broader fiscal policy. He accused the administration of prioritizing "populist measures" over sustainable, long-term economic planning, a charge frequently levelled by opposition parties against governments seeking to gain short-term political advantage. The concern, as articulated by Kharge, is that such measures, while potentially providing immediate relief, ultimately fuel inflation and exacerbate economic inequality. This echoes debates from previous budgets regarding the balance between stimulating economic growth and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

This isn't an isolated critique. Kharge's statement is the opening salvo in what appears to be a coordinated opposition offensive against the Modi government's economic policies. The budget, therefore, is not simply a financial document but has become a political flashpoint. The timing of this increased scrutiny is noteworthy; with national elections looming in 2029, the opposition is actively seeking to frame the narrative around economic performance and highlight perceived failures.

Analysts suggest that the criticism isn't entirely unfounded. While the budget includes provisions for infrastructure development and continued investments in certain sectors, critics argue that the allocation towards social welfare programs remains inadequate, especially considering the economic hardships faced by a substantial segment of the population following the disruptions caused by the pandemic and subsequent global economic uncertainties. Furthermore, the budget's reliance on increased borrowing to finance expenditures has also drawn criticism, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the national debt.

The opposition's attack on the budget is also fueled by recent economic indicators. While India has experienced relatively robust growth in recent quarters, the benefits haven't been evenly distributed, and concerns remain about the quality of growth and the need for greater inclusivity. Data released last month showed a slight increase in unemployment in urban areas, and rural wages have stagnated in several states.

What's next? The coming weeks will likely see intense debate in Parliament, with the opposition utilizing every opportunity to grill the government on the budget's provisions. Kharge is expected to lead the charge, mobilizing other opposition parties to amplify their concerns. The government, on the other hand, will attempt to defend its policies and highlight the positive aspects of the budget, emphasizing its focus on long-term economic growth and national security. This budget, therefore, will not be judged solely on its numbers, but also on its ability to withstand political pressure and ultimately deliver tangible benefits to the Indian people.