Sun Feb 01 10:28:54 UTC 2026: ### Tharoor Critiques Union Budget 2026, Citing Lack of Vision and Job Creation Strategy

The Story:
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced his disappointment with the Union Budget 2026, employing a cricketing analogy to express that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “seems to have missed the ball.” In an interview with PTI on February 1, 2026, Tharoor criticized the budget speech for its lack of specifics and overall vision, particularly regarding job creation. He also highlighted the absence of benefits for the middle and lower-middle classes, as well as the lack of specific projects for Kerala.

Key Points:

  • Tharoor criticizes Sitharaman’s Budget speech as lacking specifics and a unifying vision.
  • He notes the absence of measures to generate jobs, a major concern.
  • He finds no benefits for the middle and lower-middle classes.
  • Tharoor expresses disappointment over the lack of specific projects for Kerala, particularly the long-awaited All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
  • He also criticizes the renaming of the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
  • He questions the impact of tariffs on India’s trade with the US.
  • Tharoor remarks on the absence of Thiruvalluvar couplets in the budget speech, considering the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.

Critical Analysis:

The criticism from Shashi Tharoor aligns with other reactions to the Union Budget 2026. Mamata Banerjee’s statement indicating “Nothing for the common man” and CREDAI’s concerns about the lack of affordable housing initiatives, suggest a broader dissatisfaction with the budget’s focus and potential impact on various segments of society. However, PM Modi praising the budget as “historic,” highlights the divided political opinions and perceptions of the Union Budget 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Union Budget 2026 has drawn significant criticism from opposition leaders like Shashi Tharoor who question its vision and practical impact.
  • The budget’s lack of clear job creation strategies remains a major point of contention.
  • Regional disparities and the perceived neglect of states like Kerala have fueled dissatisfaction.
  • Conflicting viewpoints between the ruling party and the opposition demonstrate the contentious nature of fiscal policy.
  • The budget’s success hinges on the implementation of detailed programs and addressing specific regional concerns.

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