City leaders find Budget favourable for regional connectivity
   Date :02-Feb-2026

City leaders find Budget favourable for regional connectivity 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlines the Government’s economic roadmap amid evolving global conditions. Following the budget presentation, political leaders across party lines shared their reactions, highlighting major provisions and expressing their views on its impact on economic growth, social welfare and the overall development of the country. Rakesh Singh State PWD Minister State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh has termed the Union Budget 2026-27, presented under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a historic roadmap towards achieving the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He said the budget is not merely a financial document but a decisive step towards making India the world’s third-largest economy. Singh said the budget includes special provisions aimed at empowering the poor, farmers, youth and women, which will accelerate the pace of national development and strengthen India’s position in the global economy.
 
He highlighted that the proposed total expenditure of Rs 53.47 lakh crore reflects the government’s commitment to holistic growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline by targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.3 percent of GDP. He further stated that allocations of over Rs 25.43 lakh crore for resource transfers to states and Rs 12.21 lakh crore for infrastructure development would significantly modernise road connectivity across the country. Singh expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, saying the budget would also give fresh momentum to Madhya Pradesh’s journey towards becoming a self reliant and developed state. Ashish Dubey Member of Parliament Ashish Dubey, Member of Parliament has termed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a hopeful and forward-looking document that lays a strong foundation for India’s financial prosperity.
 
He said the Budget reflects a clear vision for the country’s golden future, with major announcements such as seven high speed rail corridors, Rs 10,000 crore allocation for the bio-pharma sector and focused efforts to promote Ayurveda. Dubey stated that significant provisions have been made to strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure and MSMEs, while also making cancer medicines more affordable. Emphasis on employment generation, agricultural productivity and inclusive growth would benefit all sections of society, including farmers, youth, women and senior citizens. Highlighting the focus on tourism and medical tourism, Dubey said the Budget would boost foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. He added that the special focus on small cities would benefit Madhya Pradesh and create new opportunities, with proposed high-speed rail corridors likely to benefit the Jabalpur region.
 
Ashok Rohani Member of Legislative Assembly MLA Ashok Rohani said the Union Budget for 2026-27, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to benefit women, youth, farmers and economically weaker sections. The budget lays a strong foundation for India’s journey from a self reliant nation to a developed country. Special emphasis has been placed on promoting artificial intelligence, positioning India as a future global hub for AI technology and creating new opportunities for the youth. He said measures aimed at increasing farmers’ income, welfare provisions for persons with disabilities and senior citizens and development of rail corridors and waterways form key highlights of the budget. Highlighting the focus on tourism, he said proposed tourism corridors and initiatives to promote medical tourism would help India emerge as a global hub. Proposals related to bio-pharma, AI and export hubs are expected to strengthen India’s global standing and contribute significantly to the vision of a new and progressive India.
 
Jagat Bahadur Singh Jabalpur Mayor Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh has described the Union Budget as a forward looking and inclusive document that strengthens the resolve of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He said the budget gives due attention to all sections of society and is particularly encouraging for urban development, infrastructure expansion, and empowerment of the middle class. He said the emphasis on modernising urban infrastructure will benefit fast-growing cities like Jabalpur. Expansion of roads, bridges and public transport will improve civic amenities and make daily life easier for residents. Highlighting provisions for youth, he said increased allocations for internships and skill development will help young people become self reliant and employment ready. He said the budget focuses on inclusive growth, prioritising the welfare of the poor, women, youth and farmers. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Contd from page 1 Minister Sitharaman for presenting a people centric and welfare oriented budget. Abhilash Pandey Member of Legislative Assembly Reacting to the Union Budget 2026-27, MLA Abhilash Pandey termed it as a forward-looking and confidence building budget that steers the country towards the goal of a self reliant and developed India, even amid a rapidly changing global environment.
 
He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a vision driven budget that promotes economic stability while remaining free from global uncertainty. Pandey said the budget places strong emphasis on employment generation, industrial growth and ease of access to education and job opportunities for students and youth. He highlighted major provisions for MSMEs, pharmaceuticals, electronics, infrastructure, new economic zones, tourism development, seven new railway corridors, semiconductor manufacturing and enhanced defence investment. Special attention has been given to small farmers, along with proposals for university townships, women’s hostels in every district, rare earth corridors and new inland water transport routes. Pandey said the budget is inclusive in nature and will take the country’s development to new heights. Ratnesh Sonkar BJP District President Ratnesh Sonkar has termed the Union Budget presented by the central government as a strong step towards inclusive development and the vision of a self reliant India.
 
He said the budget aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and reflects balanced planning for economic growth and social welfare. Sonkar said the budget simplifies the tax process for small taxpayers without imposing any additional tax burden, providing relief to the middle and lower income groups. He added that adequate provisions have been made for infrastructure development, urban growth, tourism, industry, railways and the health sector, which will strengthen the country’s economic foundation. Calling it a historic and people centric budget, Sonkar said it would boost economic activity, generate employment and ensure that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society, thereby reinforcing the path towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Akhilesh Jain BJP State Treasurer Akhilesh Jain said the Union Budget is focused on achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047. He said the budget reflects the Narendra Modi government’s emphasis on fiscal discipline, sustainable growth and long term economic stability, while avoiding populist measures. Jain stated that priority has been given to structural reforms, infrastructure development, domestic manufacturing and energy security to strengthen the country’s economic base and maintain a strong growth momentum.
 
He said the budget ensures inclusive development, with special attention to youth, women and the underprivileged sections, so that the benefits of growth reach all citizens. The initiatives in manufacturing, services, technology, healthcare, Ayurveda and tourism will boost employment generation and entrepreneurship. Continued reforms in the banking sector, expansion of infrastructure, support for tier-2 and tier-3 cities and investment in connectivity projects reflect the government’s commitment to balanced and nationwide development. Overall, the budget reinforces India’s confident march towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Saurabh Sharma City Congress President Saurabh Sharma said the Union Budget has failed to address the core economic challenges facing the country. He said that the sharp fall in share market after budget presentation reflects growing concerns over the health of the economy. Sharma said the budget does not outline any clear or effective plan to control inflation or tackle rising unemployment.
 
As a result people will continue to suffer from high prices and lack of job opportunities for yet another year. He also criticised the government for not announcing any concrete relief measures for the common man. Sharma said the budget appears disconnected from ground realities and does little to ease the financial burden on ordinary citizens. He said the Congress believes the budget has missed an opportunity to provide meaningful support to households struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Sumitra Balmiki Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Balmiki said the Union Budget is as per the government’s resolve to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. She said the budget has taken into account the needs of all sections of society, including women, farmers, youth and entrepreneurs. Balmiki said special attention has been given to public healthcare, reflecting the government’s concern for the well being of common citizens. Adequate provisions for infrastructure development will strengthen the economy and create new employment opportunities, she added.
 
Welcoming the budget, the MP said the decision not to impose any new taxes will provide relief to middle class families, ensuring they are not burdened further. She termed the budget as balanced and forward looking, stating that it promotes inclusive growth while laying a strong foundation for India’s long-term development.