The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with an outlay of INR 53.47 lakh crore, has sparked criticism from the Telangana government. The State, known for its significant contributions to national economic growth, feels marginalized in the Budget’s allocations and approvals, as well as long-pending commitments.
The Budget, often regarded as a political document reflecting a government’s priorities, has fallen short of expectations in terms of fairness and balance towards India’s States, particularly Telangana. Despite the repeated emphasis on “Viksit Bharat,” the Budget reveals a concerning disparity between rhetoric and reality.
Political considerations seem to have taken precedence over constitutional promises of cooperative federalism, leading to concerns about the Union government’s commitment to equitable national development. This pattern of neglect towards Telangana is not new, having been observed since the State’s formation.
The Telangana government has made repeated representations to the Prime Minister and senior Union Ministers, submitting detailed proposals for critical infrastructure and urban development projects. However, these proposals have yet to find reflection in the Budget. The State sought Central assistance for a 350-kilometer Regi project, among other initiatives, but these requests have gone unaddressed.
The criticism against the Union Finance Minister has grown sharper, with accusations that political calculations of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are prioritized over a balanced national growth strategy. The situation has led to a Perplexing question: Will the Union government fulfill its constitutional obligation to rise above partisan considerations while allocating resources for State development?
