Minister Harpal Cheema slams Union Budget 2026, accuses Centre of ignoring Punjab, farmers and common citizens
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 2, 2026: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday sharply criticised the BJP-led Union Government for sidelining Punjab in the Union Budget 2026, calling it “anti-farmer, anti-education, anti-health” and a threat to democracy and federalism.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Minister Cheema pointed out that the budget makes no mention of Punjab and fails to release the long-pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) of ₹8,500 crore due to the state. He said the Union Budget ignores Punjab’s sacrifices, including feeding the nation, dealing with repeated natural calamities, and maintaining the country’s food security.
“The mindset of the BJP-led Centre has become a serious threat to the country’s democracy and especially to Punjab. The budget is inimical to farmers, the poor, traders, education, health, and even the security of Punjab,” Cheema said. He highlighted that Punjab has been completely sidelined in the budget for the 12th consecutive year, despite submitting detailed memorandums of the state’s needs.
Farmer Neglect and Agricultural Discrimination
Cheema criticised the Centre for ignoring the legitimate concerns of Punjab’s farmers. He pointed out that allocations for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and mandi infrastructure remain unchanged, while selective attention is given to crops like coconut, cashew, and dry fruits, leaving Punjab’s food grain farmers unsupported. “The farmers of Punjab feed the nation but are continuously neglected by the Union Government,” he said.
Cuts in Subsidies and Minimal Relief for Citizens
The Finance Minister highlighted reductions in key subsidies, including the urea subsidy, and said the budget provides no relief to common citizens. “Income stagnation and inflation continue to hurt the common man, yet the Union Government has increased the Securities Transaction Tax and given zero relief on Long-Term Capital Gains,” he said.
Education, Health, and Social Welfare Ignored
Cheema described the education budget as “deeply uninspiring,” noting only around 8 percent growth compared to last year and unchanged allocations for PM-SHRI and other key schemes. The health sector also suffered, with Ayushman Bharat remaining at ₹9,500 crore and the Swachh Bharat Mission allocation reduced by half. Similarly, allocations for welfare and development schemes for artisans under PM-Vishwakarma and MGNREGA were cut or inadequately addressed.
Security Concerns Overlooked
The Finance Minister also criticised the Union Budget for failing to adequately address national security, especially given Punjab’s strategic location and last year’s tensions with Pakistan. He noted that defence spending received minimal attention, with only four references in the Union Finance Minister’s speech.
Summing up, Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Union Budget 2026 reflects the Centre’s apathy towards Punjab and its people. It ignores our contributions, overlooks our challenges, and undermines our future. Punjab and its people deserve far better than this.”