The southern states are feeling dissatisfied with the much awaited Union Budget 2025-26. Political leaders said that budget tax exemption and middle class were appreciated for targeted welfare schemes, but it failed to meet many important demands from the southern states.
Kerala disappointed
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the budget shows a political outlook which focuses here and there on the basis of where the election is. None of these has been considered in the budget. There are no major projects. All the ongoing demands like AIIMS and railway coach manufacturing plant have also been rejected in this budget. Unlike the expectations of Kerala, the Union Budget has become a political document of neglect. This is very disappointing.
Telangana expressed resentment
Telangana also expressed disappointment over the failure of the budget in fulfilling the promises made from the state. Telangana minister Konda Surekha expressed deep disappointment and accused the central government of neglecting the youth state. Surekha criticized the Union Budget for not giving adequate support for the development of the state, saying that the requests of the southern states were ignored and Telangana’s promises were strictly ignored.
Allegations of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the Union Budget 2025-26 for neglect of the state, saying that even the name of Tamil Nadu does not appear continuously. He questioned why the important demands of Tamil Nadu, including highways and metro rail projects, were ignored. Despite the state’s prominence in reports like Economic Survey and NITI Aayog Ranking, Stalin commented that Tamil Nadu has been completely ignored in the budget report this year.
Karnataka ignored
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Union Budget 2025-26 and described it as “empty chobe” (empty utensils) for the state. He said that Karnataka, despite being the second highest tax state, was rarely received, while Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were given special grants for political reasons.
BJP satisfied
On the other hand, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Sanjay Kumar appreciated the Union Budget and described it as a game-changer for the country. He emphasized how the budget prioritizes the welfare of farmers, middle class and small entrepreneurs. Highlighting measures like introduction of Kisan Credit Card for 7.7 crore farmers and increase in MSME loan limit, the budget said that farmers will benefit and ensure economic stability.
