CM Rekha hails Budget, terms it people-centric

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as forward-looking and people-centric.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said he was disappointed that his suggestion to end loan waiver for billionaires and spend the saved money on the middle class and farmers was not met in the Union budget 2025-26.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said a large portion of the public exchequer is spent on these waivers. "I am disappointed this was not done," he said.

While talking to the media, he said, “Unemployment and inflation are the biggest problems of the country, but there is no blueprint for providing employment in the Budget. This Budget will prove to increase both inflation and unemployment.”

However, the CM said the Budget is anchored around three clear priorities - accelerating economic growth through enhanced investment, industry and employment generation; fulfilling the aspirations of citizens by making life simpler, safer and more convenient; and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society, thereby realising the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

She said it had been designed keeping in view the interests of all sections of society, with special emphasis on farmers, youth, women and the underprivileged.

Measures to increase farmers’ income, strengthen rural infrastructure and generate large-scale employment opportunities for the youth have been accorded priority, she added.

Gupta noted that the Budget provides strong impetus to innovation and growth in future-oriented sectors such as health, tourism, sports and artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives will open new avenues for employment and prosperity and further enhance India’s competitiveness at the global level.

Describing the announcement of the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail corridor as historic, the CM said the project would significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, boost tourism, generate employment and open new opportunities for trade and industry. It will strengthen ease of doing business and reinforce Delhi’s role as a key hub of national development.