TMC Criticizes Union Budget 2026, Accuses Centre of Neglecting Bengal

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has condemned the Union Budget 2026, claiming it neglects the needs of West Bengal and brands its citizens as “Bangladeshis.” On February 1, 2026, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for failing to mention the state during her 85-minute Budget speech, which he described as lacking substance and vision.

Banerjee expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “The Budget has no solutions for any community.” He noted that the speech, lasting over 5,100 seconds, did not address the specific challenges faced by Bengal’s residents, including farmers and youth. “Forget Bengal; there was nothing concrete for anyone,” he emphasized.

In his remarks, Banerjee highlighted the absence of initiatives aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities and improving farmers’ incomes. He questioned the government’s focus on technological advancements, stating, “They talk about AI, Skill India, technological advancement; how would youth get employment?” He criticized the government for not providing a clear roadmap for tackling these pressing issues.

The TMC leader further accused the Union government of failing to fulfill previous commitments, such as funding under the Jal Jeevan Mission. “They have not even fulfilled old promises,” Banerjee stated, suggesting that the government views the people of Bengal with disdain. He pointed out that the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have labeled ten crore people from Bengal as Bangladeshis, which he deemed an insult.

Banerjee expressed a lack of faith in the BJP-led government, stating, “After 2021, the way the BJP has tortured the people of Bengal leaves us with no expectations from them.” He suggested that the government’s reluctance to allocate funds for Bengal stems from a belief that they will lose the state in future elections.

In a more critical tone, Banerjee referred to Sitharaman’s Budget speech as a “self-appraisal report,” arguing that it lacked genuine solutions for any constituents. He remarked that the government would defend its Budget, but in his view, it was merely a public relations exercise.

Echoing Banerjee’s sentiments, senior TMC leader Saugata Roy criticized the Budget for its lack of new announcements. He claimed that the finance minister was restricted in making any new commitments, leading to a repetition of old schemes. “None of the states got anything, and West Bengal did not get anything at all,” Roy stated.

The TMC’s response to the Union Budget reflects broader concerns within the state regarding adequate representation and support from the central government. As discussions continue, the implications of this Budget on West Bengal’s economic landscape remain to be seen.