‘It’s Very Disappointing’: Shashi Tharoor Say Kerala Was Ignored In Budget 2026

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 16:29 IST

Congress leaders Tharoor and Mather criticised the Union Budget for ignoring Kerala, lacking project details, and causing negative market reactions.

Congress leaders Tharoor and Mather criticised the Union Budget for ignoring Kerala, lacking project details, and causing negative market reactions. (Image: X )

Congress leaders on Saturday criticised the Union Budget, alleging that Kerala was ignored and key expectations remained unaddressed, while also pointing to a lack of detail in the finance minister’s speech and a negative reaction from the markets.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the Budget speech offered only broad headlines and fell short on specifics, particularly on projects relevant to Kerala.

“We got very few details. There were three or four headlines, but we were waiting for the All India Institute of Ayurveda. Where is it? We wanted this in Kerala. We have had a long tradition of Ayurveda, but we didn’t hear Kerala’s name," Tharoor said.

He added that while references were made to fishermen and coconuts, which could relate to Kerala, explicit mentions of the state were missing even in sectors where it has strong capabilities. “When they spoke of ship repair, they mentioned Varanasi and Patna, but not Kerala. This is a little surprising," he said, adding that he would look for more clarity in the detailed Budget documents.

Congress MP Jebi Mather echoed similar concerns, saying the Budget was disappointing for Kerala, which had high expectations from the Centre.

“It is very disappointing for Kerala because we had high expectations, especially regarding announcements on high-speed rail. But we don’t see any such projects being declared. Kerala stands ignored," Mather said, adding that a closer reading of the Budget would be required for a broader assessment.

Commenting on the sharp fall in the stock markets following the Budget presentation, Mather said the reaction reflected broader dissatisfaction. “The market has crashed terribly. It is definitely a reflection that the Budget has not been taken positively. It is not well-received by market forces," she said.

Tharoor, responding to the market reaction, remarked wryly, “What can I say? Can we be happy if they are disappointed?"

The Congress leaders’ remarks come amid wider opposition criticism of the Union Budget, with several parties alleging regional imbalance and a lack of clarity on major policy initiatives. 

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