The Union Budget 2025-26 has left many in the southern states feeling overlooked and disappointed, as their key demands for infrastructure development and financial relief were largely ignored. While the budget was praised for its tax exemptions and welfare schemes, particularly those targeting the middle class and farmers, the southern states felt their critical needs were neglected, a sentiment echoed by political leaders across the region.
Kerala’s Disappointment
Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his discontent, accusing the Union Budget of reflecting a political approach rather than genuine concern for the state’s development needs. He pointed out that long-standing demands, such as the establishment of AIIMS and a Railway Coach Manufacturing Plant, had been once again dismissed. Vijayan stated, "The central budget has become a political document of neglect against the expectations of Kerala. This is extremely disappointing. This is unfortunate." He criticized the budget for lacking any major projects for Kerala, which had hoped for substantial infrastructure investments and initiatives that would stimulate economic growth.
Telangana’s Frustration
Telangana also voiced its displeasure at the budget’s failure to meet the state’s expectations. Konda Surekha, Telangana’s Minister, lamented the Union Government’s indifference to the state's demands. She expressed frustration at the unfulfilled promises made to the state, which had hoped for more financial assistance and policy support. "The requests from southern states were overlooked, and Telangana's promises were harshly ignored," Surekha said. The state had been hoping for more investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and development programs but was instead met with silence on these critical issues.
Tamil Nadu’s Critique
Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, was also vocally critical of the Union Budget, accusing it of neglecting the state. He remarked that Tamil Nadu wasn’t even mentioned consistently in the budget, further illustrating the lack of priority given to the state. Stalin noted that despite Tamil Nadu’s prominent position in national economic reports, such as the Economic Survey and NITI Aayog rankings, it was largely ignored when it came to key projects, particularly highway and metro rail developments. "Tamil Nadu is completely ignored in the Budget Report this year," Stalin stated, questioning why the state’s financial demands were sidelined. Stalin also accused the central government of focusing on advertisements and publicity rather than on substantive welfare initiatives for the people. He dismissed the budget as a "charade", aimed at deceiving the public. "If plans and funds are announced only for states where elections are held and BJP is in power, what’s the need to call it a Union Budget?" he asked.
Karnataka’s Dissatisfaction
Karnataka’s response to the Union Budget was also one of disappointment. Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister, labelled the budget as a "khaali chombu" (empty vessel) for the state, despite Karnataka being one of the highest tax-paying states in the country. He pointed out that while states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh received special grants and financial support for political reasons, Karnataka received very little in return for its significant contribution to the national economy. Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister, dismissed the budget as mere announcements that would not bring about real change. He added, “We have been seeing this for the past 10 years. Due to Modi’s masterstrokes, unemployment is at its peak.”
Union Government’s Rebuttal
On the other hand, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, praised the Union Budget 2025-26, calling it a "game-changer" for the nation. He emphasized that the budget had prioritized the welfare of farmers, the middle class, and small entrepreneurs. He specifically pointed to measures like the introduction of Kisan Credit Cards for 7.7 crore farmers and an increase in MSME loan limits. He argued that the budget would benefit states like Telangana by providing economic stability and increasing tax exemptions for the middle class. He also highlighted the price reductions for essential goods, including electric vehicles, which he believed would bring significant benefits to people across the country.
Andhra Pradesh’s Praise
In contrast to the widespread criticism from southern states, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, praised the budget, calling it pro-people and progressive. Naidu interpreted the budget as aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India, highlighting that the measures outlined would benefit not just his state but also the nation as a whole.
The Southern States’ Struggle
Despite the positive aspects acknowledged by certain political figures, the southern states felt a strong sense of neglect, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and financial relief. Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka had hoped for tangible support that could address their growing financial burdens and support their development needs. With many demands still unmet, the southern states have expressed disillusionment with the Union Budget, raising concerns about regional disparities in the allocation of national resources.
In the coming weeks, as the Union Government works to implement the budget’s initiatives, it remains to be seen whether the concerns of the southern states will be addressed or if their dissatisfaction will persist.
