Following the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his disappointment regarding the apparent neglect of Kerala in the budget allocations. Tharoor expressed his concerns on Saturday, stating it was "shocking" that Kerala was not mentioned in key infrastructure projects during the budget discussions.
Tharoor highlighted the absence of Kerala's mention in significant announcements, particularly those related to Ayurveda, the fishing industry, and ship repair. He noted that while cities like Varanasi and Patna were referenced in the context of ship preparation and connectivity, Kerala, a state with a substantial coastline and maritime importance, was overlooked.
"There is nothing in this Budget that makes me satisfied as a Malayali," Tharoor told news agency PTI. Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament complex, Tharoor stated, "Details are very few, only 3-4 few headlines. We were waiting for the All-India Institute of Ayurveda. Where is it? We wanted this in Kerala. But we didn't hear the name of Kerala, which has a long tradition of Ayurveda". He further added, "Kerala is the largest coconut-producing state. In fisheries, too, there should be some benefit for us. On ship repairing, when Varanasi and Patna were mentioned, I did not hear anything about Kerala. This is a little surprising".
Tharoor acknowledged that he had yet to thoroughly examine the complete budget document and would provide a more detailed analysis after doing so. Despite a proposed Coconut Promotion Scheme, which is expected to benefit coconut-growing states, Tharoor and other leaders emphasized the lack of specific allocations or projects for Kerala.
Echoing Tharoor's sentiments, other Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, criticized the budget for its lack of concrete allocations for Kerala, despite the state's significant contributions to sectors like tourism, aviation, and health. Venugopal stated, "This budget is a total disappointment for Kerala". He also pointed out the unfulfilled promises of an AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) for Kerala, which has been a long-standing demand.
Ahead of the budget presentation, Tharoor had articulated his expectations, emphasizing the need for job creation alongside economic growth. He stressed that "jobless growth doesn't help anyone" and expressed his anticipation for schemes aimed at generating employment for young people in India. He also noted the heightened expectations from Kerala, considering the upcoming elections.
The reactions to the Union Budget 2026 indicate a sense of dissatisfaction among some leaders regarding the perceived neglect of certain states, including Kerala. The opposition has alleged that the budget lacks clarity, is disconnected from the realities faced by the poor, and reflects political biases.