Nagaur Member of Parliament and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief Hanuman Beniwal has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Beniwal described the budget as a major disappointment for the people of Rajasthan, asserting that the state's interests were completely overlooked despite its significant political and strategic contribution to the nation.
Allegations of Regional Neglect
Beniwal pointed out that while the government talks about a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), the budget failed to even mention Rajasthan. He emphasized that the state has consistently sent a large number of representatives to Parliament and is currently hosting several high-speed corridor and railway projects. According to Beniwal, the lack of specific mentions or new projects for Rajasthan is particularly concerning given that both the Union Railway Minister and the Minister of State for Railways have ties to the state.
Concerns Over Agriculture and Employment
The MP raised critical questions regarding the agricultural sector and the youth. He stated that farmers remain burdened by debt, yet the budget offered no concrete roadmap or legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). Regarding employment, Beniwal argued that while the government claims to focus on job creation, thousands of government positions remain vacant. He noted that the measures proposed in the budget don't appear sufficient to address the growing unemployment crisis effectively.
Criticism of Inflation and Economic Vision
Addressing the issue of rising costs, Beniwal criticized the absence of measures to control the prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG. He also noted that the soaring prices of gold and silver weren't addressed, adding further pressure on the middle class. He questioned the long-term vision of the government, stating that without a clear timeline, the goal of a developed nation remains ambiguous. He characterized the budget as having no immediate relief for the common man.
Analytical Perspective on the Reaction
According to political analysts, Beniwal's sharp critique reflects the growing regional demand for specific developmental allocations, while analysts suggest that by labeling the budget as "Zero" for the country and "Double Zero" for Rajasthan, Beniwal is positioning himself as a vocal advocate for regional interests ahead of future political cycles. The focus on farmers and youth remains a central theme in his political discourse, aiming to highlight perceived gaps in central policy implementation.
Ultimately, Hanuman Beniwal has dismissed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a document that fails to meet the expectations of the rural and middle-class populations. He maintains that the exclusion of Rajasthan from the budget's primary highlights is a significant oversight by the central government.