In the wake of the Union Budget 2026 presentation, the government is pushing back against the opposition's criticisms, urging a focus on factual data rather than what it deems as unsubstantiated narratives. The ruling party asserts the budget is strategically designed to foster broad-based growth and prioritizes the interests of the common person, while the opposition has labeled the budget as "directionless" and lacking substance.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to the opposition's remarks, specifically addressing criticisms from Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, by affirming the robustness of India's economic fundamentals. Sitharaman highlighted the introduction of multiple government schemes aimed at supporting sectors facing challenges due to global uncertainties, including initiatives for small and medium enterprises, textiles, leather, and rural industries. She stated that the government is open to a factual debate on the budget and welcomes political criticism.

Kiren Rijiju, a Union Minister, accused the opposition of politicizing the Finance Minister’s budget speech, emphasizing that the budget is centered on the interests of the common man and the nation's development. Rijiju characterized the Budget as a "Reform Express for Viksit Bharat" and expressed full satisfaction with the announcements, asserting they are aimed at comprehensive growth. He questioned whether the opposition considers themselves separate from the common people and suggested their criticism stems purely from political motivations, as the budget's focus is on growth and development for all Indians.

Conversely, the opposition has voiced strong disapproval of the budget. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed the government has run out of ideas and the budget fails to offer solutions to India's economic, social, and political challenges. Kharge stated that the budget does not provide a single solution and that the government's slogans have become empty. He criticized the neglect of farmers, the lack of welfare support, and the absence of an income security plan. Kharge also raised concerns about rising inequality, the lack of support for marginalized communities, and the strain on federalism, with states facing acute financial stress. He further questioned the absence of a credible job plan and the lack of response to an export slowdown and a weakening rupee.

Echoing similar sentiments, P. Chidambaram, former Finance Minister, stated that the budget fails the test of economic strategy, particularly in addressing the uncertain outlook for foreign direct investment and the persistent outflow of foreign portfolio investment. He noted the muted response in Parliament, suggesting a disconnect between the budget's proposals and the needs of the economy.

The Punjab government and the Haryana opposition expressed disappointment, stating that the Union Budget has nothing for farmers. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the budget lacks announcements regarding the minimum support price for farmers and provides no relief for industry and taxes.

In response to the criticisms, government representatives have pointed out initiatives such as increased salaries for public servants, a rise in the minimum wage, and reduced tariffs for industrial electricity. They have also emphasized that the budget focuses on infrastructure, manufacturing, tax simplification, and long-term growth, with a significant increase in capital expenditure.

The debate surrounding the Union Budget 2026 reflects the deep political divisions and differing perspectives on the nation's economic priorities. While the government calls for a data-driven assessment of the budget's merits, the opposition insists that it fails to address critical issues and lacks a clear vision for the future.