Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha has sharply criticized the Union Budget 2026‑27, calling it a “throw-and-sweep” budget that neither advances India towards a developed nation nor addresses the real problems of common citizens.

Speaking to the media, Sinha alleged that the budget fails to provide concrete measures for employment generation, farmers’ welfare, and tackling existing debt issues. “This budget is not for a developed India, and it offers no substantial provisions for employment, youth, or farmers,” he said. According to him, while the budget features grand announcements, it falls short on addressing the core issues.

Sinha further claimed that the central government is withholding funds from several states, suggesting that the budget does not ensure fair allocations for all regions. He specifically questioned what new schemes have been proposed for the welfare of farmers.

On the budget’s proposed large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Eastern Coastal Industrial Corridor and the high-speed rail corridor, Sinha commented that these initiatives merely reiterate existing plans and will not significantly impact the real needs of people. He also highlighted that regions including West Bengal have been neglected in the budget allocations.

Referring to the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, Sinha asserted, “Didi’s government will come again,” adding that the BJP’s influence will diminish post-elections.

Meanwhile, other opposition leaders have continued to criticize the budget, describing it as “disappointing” and overlooking the interests of the poor and marginalized sections.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, has defended the budget, calling it “youth-empowered” and “a balanced document aimed at a developed India,” while the opposition perceives it as disconnected from public concerns and indifferent to inflation, unemployment, and the agrarian crisis.