Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:24pm on 01 Feb 2026,Sunday Politics
The government rejected opposition criticism of Union Budget 2026 and asked for a debate based on “facts and figures”. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said allegations over market losses and scheme renaming lack substance. She said rural development spending has increased and allocations support welfare goals. Market weakness on Budget day was linked by officials to the higher securities transaction tax on futures and options trades. The renaming of the rural jobs scheme to Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Abhiyan triggered political protests. Opposition leaders called it ideological. The government said the focus remains on delivery and funding, not labels or narratives. (PC: X)
