New Delhi: The Welfare Party of India has sharply criticised the Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The party described the budget as regressive, anti people, and harmful for economic stability. Party leaders said the budget ignores unemployment, rising inequality, and the ongoing agrarian crisis.
In a statement, WPI National General Secretary Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas said the government raised capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore while reducing funds for rural development, agriculture, education, and health. He said such decisions show misplaced priorities. He warned reductions in schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, crop insurance, and urea subsidy will deepen hardship for ordinary citizens.
Dr Ilyas rejected government claims on fiscal discipline. He said large tax concessions for corporates and rising public debt expose gaps in budget planning. He added the fiscal deficit target of 4.3 percent of GDP shifts debt pressure onto future generations.
He also flagged the absence of any clear employment strategy. He said budget focus on industrial expansion and manufacturing serves corporate interests and strengthens crony capitalism. He said people facing job insecurity gain no relief.
The Welfare Party highlighted deep expenditure cuts across key sectors during 2025–26. These cuts affect daily life for millions. Rural Development faces a cut of Rs 53,067 crore. Urban Development sees a reduction of Rs 39,573 crore. Social Welfare loses Rs 9,999 crore. Agriculture drops by Rs 6,985 crore. Education faces a cut of Rs 6,701 crore. Health allocation falls by Rs 3,686 crore. PM Awas Yojana loses Rs 3,200 crore. Jal Jeevan Mission allocation drops by Rs 50,000 crore. Scholarships for SC, ST, and OBC students also face sharp reductions.
Dr Ilyas said the budget offers no meaningful support for minorities, women, or workers. He said the Welfare Party of India demands withdrawal of the budget and presentation of an alternative plan focused on employment, social security, and protection of vulnerable communities.
