National

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026, calling it a strong reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Reform Express" aimed at building a "Viksit Bharat".

"The Union Government's Budget, which was eagerly awaited, has delivered an even greater disappointment than usual," Stalin said in a statement.

The budget places heavy emphasis on the manufacturing sector and youth reskilling to strengthen India's position as the world's fastest-growing economy.

"Pollution is a priority for the government. We are working with many state governments on projects related to air and water pollution. There is a significant budgetary outlay on sewage control as well as drainage," Thakur said.

"The announcement of 7 new High-Speed Rail Corridors across India is welcome for the nation, but the glaring exclusion of Kerala is indefensible. We are a high-density state crying out for modern transit," he said.

"In the budget presented by the Central Government in the country's Parliament today, regarding various schemes, projects, promises, and assurances, the future outcomes of these seem to suggest that while their names are grand and lofty, it would be better if their manifestations on the ground are not diminished or insignificant. Therefore, for the welfare of all sections of society, mere rhetoric is not enough; implementation with genuine intent is also essential," Mayawati wrote.