Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab ignored in 10 Union budgets, says Harsimrat Badal; Flags farm crisis, flood relief and drug menace
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 11, 2026: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday alleged that Punjab has been systematically ignored in the last ten Union Budgets, asserting that Budget 2026–27 offers no concrete measures to revive the state’s struggling economy or address pressing concerns such as agricultural distress, flood compensation, unemployment and industrial decline.
Speaking during the Budget discussion in Parliament, the Bathinda MP said Punjab, despite contributing “water, land, labour and youth” to the nation, continues to face economic slowdown, farmer suicides, flood devastation and a worsening drug crisis.
She demanded immediate release of pending flood compensation to farmers, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and a comprehensive economic package for the state.
She also called for the establishment of an industrial corridor with focus on the leather, sports and textile industries, creation of a dedicated drug rehabilitation fund, and development of a tourism circuit to boost revenue.
Taking a swipe at the Centre, Mrs Badal said the slogan “Sabka Vikas” had remained hollow for Punjab, pointing out that the state’s growth rate and share in the national Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) have declined sharply while its debt burden remains high, yet no targeted fiscal support has been extended.
Highlighting the agricultural crisis, she said farmers continue to struggle with mounting debt and suicides, alleging that the promise of making MSP a legal entitlement remains unfulfilled.
She further claimed that reduction in fertiliser subsidy and the proposed trade deal with the United States could adversely affect Punjab’s farmers. Referring to flood compensation, she said while the Centre claimed to have released ₹12,500 crore to Punjab, the state government maintains no such funds were received.
She accused central ministers of engaging in “flood tourism” during repeated visits in 2025 without providing financial relief.
Mrs Badal also alleged that central reforms have bypassed Punjab, stating that while the state contributes nearly ₹2,000 crore to the central pool, it receives little in return.
She raised concerns over the closure of the Attari border affecting trade, while sea routes in Gujarat remain operational. She further questioned why cricket ties with Pakistan resumed while the Kartarpur Corridor remains closed.
On the industrial front, she said lack of incentives has led to migration of industry to neighbouring states and flagged delays in milling and grain transportation affecting the sheller industry. She also alleged harassment of small traders under GST regulations.
Raising the issue of narco-terrorism, the SAD leader said Punjab accounts for a high number of drug overdose deaths and claimed that on average 24 drones carrying narcotics from across the border are seized each month. However, she alleged that no funds have been released to the state under the Central Narcotics Assistance Scheme.
She further criticised the Budget for not allocating additional support to strengthen Punjab’s health and education sectors and for overlooking marginalised communities, particularly on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji.