Budget 2026: Rajasthan Congress Chief Govind Singh Dotasra Criticizes Union Budget

Following the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, the political landscape in Rajasthan has witnessed sharp criticism from the opposition. ' He stated that the budget has failed to meet the expectations of the youth, farmers, and the middle class in Rajasthan.

Criticism of State Leadership and Special Packages

Speaking to the media in Sikar, Dotasra launched a direct attack on Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's administration. He pointed out that while the Chief Minister has visited Delhi more than 60 times in the last two years, he has been unable to secure a special financial package for the state. Dotasra alleged that Rajasthan didn't receive any additional funds in this budget, rendering the Chief Minister's frequent trips ineffective for the state's welfare.

Allegations of Neglect Toward Key Regional Projects

The PCC Chief accused the central government of focusing exclusively on poll-bound states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala, while neglecting Rajasthan. He highlighted that despite previous promises, the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) wasn't granted national project status. On top of that, he expressed strong objections over the lack of specific funding for Mangarh Dham and the Banswara rail project, which is considered a lifeline for Southern Rajasthan.

Economic Concerns and Market Volatility

Dotasra interpreted the fluctuations in the stock market following the budget announcement as a sign of public distrust. He criticized the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision, arguing that the government is showcasing long-term dreams while failing to address immediate issues like unemployment and inflation. He also noted that the lack of significant changes in income tax slabs has left the salaried class neglected, and the promise of doubling farmers' income remains unfulfilled.

Analysis of Political Implications

According to political analysts, Dotasra's remarks reflect a strategic move to consolidate regional sentiment against the central government's fiscal policies. By focusing on stalled infrastructure projects and the lack of a special package, the Congress party aims to build a narrative of 'central neglect' ahead of future local elections. Analysts suggest that such critiques are common in federal structures, but the emphasis on specific regional grievances like ERCP could resonate with the local electorate.

To sum it all up, the Rajasthan Congress has positioned the Union Budget 2026-27 as a document that overlooks the developmental needs of the state. Dotasra's sharp critique sets the stage for a prolonged political debate in Rajasthan regarding the state's share in central resources and the effectiveness of the current state leadership in advocating for regional interests.