Union Budget 2026 a Decisive Step Towards a Developed and Self-Reliant India: Randhir Sharma
BJP Himachal Pradesh Media In-Charge and MLA Shri Randhir Sharma, while addressing a press conference in Shimla today, said that the Union Budget 2026–27 presented on 1st February 2026 by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman provides a strong foundation for realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed and Self-Reliant India.
He stated that this budget is not based on traditional populist announcements, but is a reform-oriented and forward-looking budget, which will play an important role in taking India towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power.
Sharma said that despite global economic instability, threats of tariff hikes by the United States, China’s restrictions on rare-earth material supply, and recent international challenges, India has presented a powerful and resilient budget. He added that before 2014 India stood as the 11th largest economy, but under Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership and policies, India has now become the 4th largest economic power globally.
Defence, Modern Technology and Self-Reliance Given Top Priority
Randhir Sharma said that India no longer wishes to remain dependent on foreign nations in any sector. Keeping this in mind, the budget has accorded the highest priority to the defense sector.
He informed that with a 15% increase, a defense allocation of ₹7.8 lakh crore has been made. India is now moving towards manufacturing its own weapons, fighter jets, microchips and semiconductors.
He said initiatives such as Semiconductor Mission 2.0, strengthening the Artificial Intelligence sector, and boosting manufacturing clearly reflect the government’s effort to transform India from an importing nation into an exporting powerhouse.
He also highlighted schemes like the Rare Earth Mission, Textile Integrated Mission, and the ₹10,000 crore Bio-Pharma Shakti Yojana, which will help India emerge as a global hub in pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
Historic Capital Expenditure to Strengthen Infrastructure
The BJP leader said that the BJP governments have always considered infrastructure as the backbone of development. In this budget, capital expenditure has been increased to a historic ₹12.2 lakh crore.
This will accelerate development in roads, railways, waterways, air connectivity, tourism, and industrial networks across the country.
He said that under Phase-4 of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, even villages with a population of more than 250 are being connected, ensuring comprehensive rural development.
Congress Criticizing Only for the Sake of Opposition
Taking a strong dig at Congress, Randhir Sharma said that the Congress party is opposing the central government without facts. Congress has wasted the last three-and-a-half years in only blaming BJP, and will continue with the same negative agenda.
He said that the Chief Minister and Congress leaders repeatedly claim Himachal has received nothing, whereas the truth is that Himachal is receiving assistance manifold times more than before.
Himachal Receives ₹13,949 Crore in Tax Devolution – ₹2,500 Crore More Than Last Year
Randhir Sharma stated that under tax devolution, Himachal Pradesh has received ₹13,949 crore, which is approximately ₹2,500 crore more than the previous allocation.
Congress is deliberately hiding the fact that Himachal’s share in central taxes has consistently increased.
Rail Budget Allocation ₹2,911 Crore – 27 Times Higher Than Congress Era
He said Himachal Pradesh has been allocated ₹2,911 crore under the rail budget, which is 27 times higher than what was provided during the Congress regime.
At present, railway projects worth ₹17,711 crore are underway in the state.
He added that under the Amrit Station Scheme, four stations in Himachal are being developed at a cost of ₹46 crore. Himachal is already running the Vande Bharat Express, and the state has achieved the target of 100% railway electrification.
He accused the state government of not cooperating in railway expansion and said that pending liabilities of nearly ₹1,900 crore are still unpaid by the state.
Special Category Status Restored by Modi Government; Congress Had Withdrawn It
Randhir Sharma said that the special category status and the 90:10 funding pattern were originally granted by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which was withdrawn during the Manmohan Singh-led Congress government.
Prime Minister Modi restored this benefit, due to which Himachal now receives 90% central assistance under major schemes.
RDG Was Temporary; Mismanagement Cannot Be Blamed on Center
Responding to Congress claims on RDG grants, Sharma said RDG was only a temporary arrangement. The recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission apply across the country.
If the Himachal government misused grants instead of reducing deficits, it reflects state-level mismanagement and cannot be blamed on the central government.
