AAP’s Isudan Gadhvi calls Union Budget 2026-27 'hollow', lacking long-term vision

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi on Saturday criticised the Union Budget, describing it as “hollow” and lacking in long-term vision for key sections of society, including farmers, the middle class and unemployed youth.

Addressing the media, Gadhvi said the budget does not offer adequate relief to the middle class, which he said continues to bear a high tax burden and faces multiple GST slabs. He added that despite rising medical expenses, no significant provisions have been made to ease healthcare costs.

“Many families spend a large part of their income on hospital treatment, yet there is no clear arrangement for healthcare relief,” he said. He also stated that the budget does not include major initiatives related to education.

Commenting on the agricultural sector, Gadhvi said that farmers have not been provided sufficient support. He claimed that the budget does not reflect clear plans for irrigation facilities, free electricity or loan relief. According to him, farmers are unlikely to benefit significantly from the current proposals.

Raising the issue of employment, the AAP leader said that regular government recruitment has declined in recent years. He alleged that outsourcing has increased while permanent recruitment has reduced, and pointed to fewer job openings in sectors such as the railways. He also said there is no clarity regarding a recruitment calendar.

Gadhvi further stated that the budget does not outline specific schemes for economically weaker and marginalised communities. Referring to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), he noted that while workdays have reportedly been increased from 100 to 125, states have been assigned a higher financial burden.

He questioned how state governments would manage the additional responsibility and said there was no clear roadmap for implementation.

Calling the budget disappointing, Gadhvi said it does not adequately address the needs of farmers, the middle class, youth, and vulnerable sections of society. He added that, in his view, the budget lacks a comprehensive approach to economic and social development.

The Central Government, meanwhile, has maintained that the budget focuses on growth, infrastructure development, and long-term economic stability. Officials have said the proposals aim to balance fiscal discipline with welfare and development priorities.