"Rajasthan should be granted special status": Congress' Tika Ram Jully urges centre ahead of Budget 2026

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], January 31 (ANI): The leader of the Opposition at the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully, on Saturday expressed disappointment and scepticism over the upcoming Union Budget 2026, stating that the government's promises fail.
While speaking to ANI, Jully emphasised the need for the central government to grant Rajasthan special state status, citing the state's unique geographical conditions that pose significant challenges to implementing development schemes. He also highlighted concerns, including the disparity in diesel and petrol prices across states.
The Congress leader also pointed out the government's failure to fulfil promises, such as setting up a train coach manufacturing factory and completing the refinery project on time. He urged the government to prioritise employment opportunities for the youth, social security, and tax relief for the common people in the upcoming budget.
"We always have expectations from their budget, but nothing ever happens. Diesel and petrol prices are different in every state, whereas they should be the same everywhere - they are just making empty promises. Rajasthan should be granted special state status. Its geographical conditions are unique, and the people face many difficulties, which increases the cost of implementing development schemes. But the Indian government provides no assistance. A train coach manufacturing factory was supposed to come here, and the refinery should have been completed on time. This budget should address employment for the youth, social security, and the common complaint of the people here - that they should receive tax relief, " Jully told ANI.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1 (Sunday).
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday expressed high expectations from the Union Budget to be presented on February 1, saying the state usually receives more than expected.
Speaking to ANI, CM Dhami said, "Our Prime Minister launched the PRAGATI portal in 2014 under the Digital India campaign, through which all projects across the country are reviewed. 42 projects, worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore from our state, are also being reviewed through this portal. We have already received so much... We have high expectations from this budget, and we usually receive more than we expect. This time too, we expect to receive more than expected."
The Chief Minister also said the state requires special arrangements for a floating population that is much larger than its resident population, citing major religious events that attract large numbers of tourists and pilgrims each year.
"We have repeatedly urged the Government of India to recognise that our state requires arrangements for a floating population that is 8 to 10 times larger than the state's actual population... Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra take place every year. Kumbh Mela is also proposed... Visits to Adi Kailash and the Char Dham have increased significantly each year... Monthly festivals in Haridwar and Rishikesh, along with our winter pilgrimage, attract large crowds, increasing tourist traffic... Our needs should be taken into account," he added. (ANI)