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Gandhi Slams 2026 Union Budget as 'Silent' on Key Issues

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 17:18 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, INDIA

New Delhi, February 3rd, 2026 - Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the recently presented Union Budget, arguing it demonstrably fails to address six critical issues plaguing the nation: unemployment, farmer distress, inflation, income inequality, social divisions, and the escalating climate crisis. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, Gandhi highlighted what he sees as a glaring silence within the budget concerning these fundamental problems, questioning the government's vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The veteran politician's critique extends beyond a simple list of grievances. He poses a fundamental question: "How can the economy grow when these issues are not addressed?" This isn't merely a rhetorical device, but a core tenet of Gandhi's ongoing argument that the current economic policies prioritize corporate interests at the expense of ordinary citizens and long-term national wellbeing.

The 2026 Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, allocated significant resources to infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. While proponents point to these investments as foundational for future growth, critics, including Gandhi, contend that the budget falls critically short on concrete, actionable strategies to alleviate the burdens faced by farmers and the persistently high number of unemployed citizens.

A Deeper Dive into the Concerns

Unemployment: India's unemployment rate remains a significant concern, particularly among youth. While official figures often fluctuate, anecdotal evidence and reports from labor organizations suggest a substantial underemployment issue - individuals working in jobs below their skill level or for insufficient wages. Gandhi's criticism points to a lack of targeted programs for skill development, job creation in sustainable sectors, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are major engines of employment.

Farmer Distress: Indian agriculture continues to face multifaceted challenges, including climate change-induced crop failures, fluctuating market prices, inadequate access to credit, and a lack of modern infrastructure. Gandhi's statement implies the budget lacked sufficient provisions for farmer loan waivers, investment in irrigation projects, and a robust price support mechanism to protect farmers from volatile commodity markets. The continued farmer protests in recent years underscore the severity of this ongoing crisis.

Inflation: While inflation has moderated from its peak in 2024, the rising cost of living continues to impact lower and middle-income households. Gandhi's focus on inflation suggests he believes the budget did not propose adequate measures to control price increases for essential commodities, particularly food and fuel, nor did it address the underlying structural issues contributing to inflationary pressures.

Income Inequality: India remains one of the most unequal countries globally, with a vast disparity in wealth distribution. The budget, according to Gandhi, missed an opportunity to implement progressive taxation policies, strengthen social safety nets, and invest in programs that promote economic empowerment for marginalized communities. A lack of focus on wealth redistribution exacerbates social tensions and hinders inclusive growth.

Social Divisions: Recent years have witnessed a rise in social polarization and communal tensions in various parts of India. Gandhi's inclusion of social divisions in his critique suggests a concern that the budget failed to prioritize initiatives promoting interfaith harmony, social justice, and inclusivity. Investments in education and programs fostering dialogue and understanding are crucial to bridging these divides.

Climate Change: India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and water scarcity. Gandhi's emphasis on climate change signals his belief that the budget lacked sufficient investment in renewable energy, climate adaptation measures, and sustainable development practices. Without a decisive shift towards a green economy, India risks exacerbating the climate crisis and jeopardizing its long-term sustainability.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks are likely to see intensified debate over the budget's priorities and its potential impact on various sections of society. Gandhi's strong stance sets the stage for a sustained opposition critique, focusing on the perceived shortcomings of the government's economic vision. The efficacy of the budget in addressing these critical issues will ultimately determine its success and its impact on the lives of ordinary Indians.