Budget 2026 lacks policy vision, offers no solutions: Kharge
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said the Modi government has run out of ideas, and the Union Budget for 2026-27 does not provide any single solution to India's many economic, social and political challenges.
In a post on X, he said there is no policy vision or political will, and this Budget offers no solutions and not even slogans to hide the absence of policy.
"The Modi Government has run out of ideas. #Budget2026 does not provide a single solution to India's many economic, social, and political challenges.
"'Mission Mode' is now 'Challenge Route'. Reform Express rarely stops at any "Reform" Junction. Net result: NO policy vision, NO political will," he said in his post.
Kharge said farmers still await meaningful welfare support or an income security plan.
"Inequality has surpassed the levels seen under the British Raj, but the Budget does not even mention it or provide any support to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Minority communities.
"The Finance Commission's recommendations will have to be studied more, but they do not appear to provide any relief to State Governments which are under severe financial stress. Federalism has become a casualty," he said.
"This Budget offers no solutions, NOT even slogans to hide the absence of policy!," the Congress chief said.
In her speech, Sitharaman announced that the target for capex will be raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27 from Rs 11.2 lakh crore earmarked for the current fiscal year.
She also announced a slew of measures to boost infrastructure in the country, including in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The budget came in the backdrop of global uncertainties, trade frictions and US tariffs and slowdown in exports.
With Union Budget 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman created history as she presented her ninth consecutive Budget and became the longest-serving finance minister.
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CIAL to be hub for multimodal cargo network, says Kerala CM Vijayan
Kochi (Kerala) (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that a multimodal cargo network integrating air, road, rail, and water routes will be established, with CIAL serving as its primary hub.
He was speaking while inaugurating the plenary session of the International Cargo Business Summit, organised by CIAL in association with FICCI, marking the 25th anniversary of Cochin International Airport Limited's cargo department.
The chief minister inaugurated the event by moving a gear lever on a cockpit model installed on the stage.
Vijayan stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to Kerala's economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport.
He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonne of cargo in the last financial year, and this is expected to rise to 74,000 tonne in the current fiscal year.
CIAL has provided a 50 per cent dividend to its investors and stands as a model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges benefiting four panchayats is also underway.
Furthermore, CIAL has begun the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will commence immediately upon approval.
In his presidential address, State Industries Minister P Rajeev mentioned that prominent global companies establishing logistics parks near CIAL would allow for greater utilisation of the airport's cargo potential.
He added that the presence of large-scale companies reflects the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.
The chief minister honoured institutions that demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony.
CIAL Managing Director S Suhas delivered the welcome speech.
CIAL Cargo Department Head Satheesh Kumar R Pai delivered the vote of thanks.
