Chandigarh-Senior Punjab Congress Leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu today strongly criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it a disappointing and anti-Punjab Budget that offers nothing for farmers, the middle class or industry, while completely ignoring the state’s worsening economic situation.
Balbir Singh Sidhu said that despite repeated demands, the Budget has failed to provide a legal guarantee on MSP, betraying the farming community. He pointed out that Punjab, which is reeling under a massive debt burden and agrarian distress, has once again been denied a special financial package, reflecting a step-motherly treatment towards the state.
“What is even more shocking is that there is not a single mention of Punjab in the entire Budget speech, even while discussing agriculture, despite Punjab being the backbone of the country’s food security,” he said.
He further stated that the Budget has failed to address rising inflation and price rise, offering no real relief to common households struggling with increasing costs of essential commodities, fuel and daily services.
Balbir Singh Sidhu added that the middle class has been completely ignored, with no meaningful tax relief or job-creating measures, while Punjab’s industries and MSMEs have received no targeted support to revive growth and employment.
Calling the Budget a missed opportunity, Balbir Singh Sidhu said it once again proves how disconnected the government is from ground realities and reiterated that Punjab’s interests have been sidelined.