Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget 2026, calling it “depressing” and “beyond understanding” for the middle class and the poor. He alleged that the budget is designed to benefit only a small section of wealthy individuals and large industrialists, while ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens.
Addressing the media, Yadav said the budget appears to cater to “just 5% of the population,” leaving the poor, middle class, and youth disappointed. He questioned the government’s intent, claiming that there are no concrete measures to generate adequate employment for young people. “Everything seems pre-decided, who will benefit and who will not. There is nothing substantial here for the poor,” he said.
Highlighting regional concerns, the SP chief pointed out that no new expressway projects have been announced for Uttar Pradesh. He also criticised the absence of effective steps to control inflation and strengthen the health and education sectors. “If basic infrastructure is missing, what role will artificial intelligence play in people’s lives?” Yadav asked.
Yadav further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of taking votes from the middle class and the poor while failing to deliver on its promises. He said expectations cannot be placed on a government that has not fulfilled commitments made in earlier election manifestos. “The BJP government consistently works for capitalists. Expecting relief for the poor from them is a mistake,” he added.
Linking the budget to market performance, Yadav claimed the stock market crash reflected public disappointment. He said the budget neither acknowledges nor addresses the struggles of common people, especially amid rising prices. “With no tax relief despite inflation, this is nothing but tax exploitation,” he remarked, adding that the middle class feels cheated by the government’s priorities.
