Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Union Budget 2026, labeling it a “betrayal” of the state’s hardworking farmers, youth, and industry. In a strongly worded statement, the CM accused the Central Government of once again ignoring Punjab’s critical contributions to the national food basket and border security.
“The Union Budget has once again failed to meet the expectations of Punjab,” Mann stated. “There is no legal guarantee for MSP, no roadmap for employment, and no relief for our industries. The Centre continues to treat Punjab with a step-motherly attitude.”
Key Highlights of AAP’s Criticism:
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Agriculture: No legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) beyond wheat and rice; lack of support for crop diversification.
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Economic Neglect: No special financial package for the state’s economy or relief from rising inflation.
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Infrastructure: No increase in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund or support for mandi (market) systems.
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Youth & Industry: Absence of employment assurances or industrial incentives to boost local growth.
Farmers ‘Left to Fend for Themselves’
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Budget ignores the legitimate concerns of agrarian states. He criticized the selective promotion of high-value crops like sandalwood and cashew, noting that North Indian farmers—who provide the nation’s food security—have been left out.
“While Punjab’s farmers feed the nation, the Union Government continues to neglect the very systems that ensure food security,” Cheema remarked.
No Relief for Flood-Hit Districts
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian highlighted the lack of financial support for farmers affected by recent devastating floods. Despite previous demands for a special package to restore farmland in border districts, the Minister noted that the Budget offered “no concrete roadmap” or compensation for crop losses.
A Unified Stand for Punjab
Other state leaders, including Aman Arora, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, joined the chorus of disapproval, describing the Budget as “big on claims but empty on substance.”
Despite the perceived neglect, CM Bhagwant Mann maintained a resilient tone, asserting that the people of Punjab would not be deterred. “Punjabis are hardworking and resilient,” Mann said. “Even without central support, the AAP government and the people will unite to rebuild Punjab and make it economically strong on our own.”