West Bengal budget 2026-27: Congress challenges BJP debt, jobs, and spending plans

The West Bengal Congress has criticised the BJP government’s first state budget for 2026–27, saying large announcements lack a clear roadmap on debt reduction, jobs, and industrial growth. Party leaders flagged fiscal sustainability concerns amid high outstanding debt, questioned the long-term viability of a 20 per cent dearness allowance rise, and raised objections to major welfare allocations, including the Annapurna Yojana.

The West Bengal Congress on Monday attacked the BJP government's first state budget, saying it relied on big announcements but missed key economic issues. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta placed the 2026-27 budget in the assembly on Monday. The party said the plan did not clearly address debt stress, jobs, industry, or fairness in spending.

West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee president Subhankar Sarkar said the Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget looked large at first. Sarkar argued that a detailed reading raised doubts about fiscal strength and openness. Sarkar also linked these concerns to employment plans, industrial direction, and social justice measures in the proposals.

West Bengal budget criticism on debt and fiscal stability

Sarkar said the state’s debt load was already about Rs 8.5 lakh crore. Sarkar added that the debt-to-GSDP ratio stayed "alarmingly high\". Sarkar said the budget did not offer a clear plan for repayment. Sarkar also said it lacked steps for fiscal consolidation or lowering liabilities over time.

On staff benefits, Sarkar welcomed a 20 per cent dearness allowance rise for state employees. Sarkar questioned how the government would fund it for years ahead. Sarkar said spending promises needed matching revenue growth. Sarkar warned that without higher income and output, debt pressure could rise later.

West Bengal budget criticism on welfare, beneficiaries and transparency

The Congress also flagged the Rs 36,000-crore outlay for the Annapurna Yojana. Sarkar said the government should state how many people would receive support. Sarkar linked this to transparency concerns in the wider budget. Sarkar said clear beneficiary numbers were needed to judge costs and impact.

West Bengal budget criticism on jobs, industry and public works

Sarkar said the budget spoke often about investment and industrial development. Sarkar said it did not set job targets or explain sector-wise hiring plans. \"Bengals youth deserve jobs, not slogans,\" Sarkar said. Sarkar also said the proposals failed to show how industry plans would translate into work.

Sarkar said the budget gave too little focus to irrigation and flood control. Sarkar also said energy infrastructure needed stronger support. Sarkar added that technical education did not get enough attention. Separately, Sarkar said allocations for minority welfare had been reduced in the new proposals.

Sarkar said the government was seeking headlines instead of long-term solutions. \"The budget prioritises publicity over policy, announcements over accountability and short-term political optics over long-term economic transformation,\" Sarkar said. The Congress said the budget needed clearer plans on debt control, job creation, and transparent delivery.

With inputs from PTI