Treated Punjab with disrespect: AAP slams Budget 2026, says it neglected the state
India Today
The Union Budget 2026 primarily focused on infrastructure expansion, domestic manufacturing, boosting defence spending, tax simplification and a long-term fiscal roadmap, among others.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has strongly criticised the Union Budget presented on Sunday by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing the Centre of neglecting the state's interests and failing to address the concerns of farmers, women, youth and border areas.
Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget in Parliament on Sunday, which primarily focused on infrastructure expansion, domestic manufacturing, boosting defence spending, tax simplification and a long-term fiscal roadmap, among others.
AAP Punjab president and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora condemned the budget, calling it another disappointment for the country.
"Like every time, this time too, nothing special has been done in this budget," he said, adding that there was no meaningful provision for farmers, women, or families.
Arora added the BJP-led central government, which came to power with "big promises", had once again failed to deliver.
The Punjab AAP chief also expressed anger over what he described as unfair treatment towards the state.
The development comes as tensions in the region have disrupted global shipping routes and heightened risks for energy transportation through one of the world's most critical chokepoints.
The government has ordered WhatsApp to block device IDs linked to "digital arrest" scams, following a report from Ministry of Home Affairs report flagging rising cyber fraud.
The arrangements were finalised after Chief Minister and AINRC leader N Rangasamy held talks with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at a private hotel in Puducherry.
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who was posted as a District Manager in Amritsar, consumed a poisonous substance and died in hospital. Before his death, he recorded a video accusing Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar of pressurising, torturing and harassing him.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh urged young doctors to contribute to diabetes research.
The cow vigilante was pursuing cow smugglers on a motorcycle when the incident took place. Locals apprehended a Muslim youth involved in the crime. However, three other perpetrators managed to flee.
As the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption, India is exploring costly alternative energy routes while ramping up naval deployments, raising concerns over supply security, rising costs and how long the crisis may last.
With no contractors stepping forward to clean the Mithi river and the monsoon fast approaching, Mumbai faces rising flood risks, exposing systemic failures, administrative gaps and public neglect that continue to leave the city vulnerable year after year.
The Voice of Hind Rajab, an Oscar-nominated film scheduled for release this week, has been blocked in India. The reason cited was that it could affect India's cordial ties with Israel amid the Iran war, as per a report. Why has the film stirred controversy? What is it about?
On the night of March 18, after completing his work at a factory, Ravi was speaking on the phone with his wife, Ritu, when a sudden explosion occurred. The call disconnected abruptly, and his phone went dead shortly after.
A quiet Rajasthan village is shaken after an elderly woman's brutal killing exposes chilling details of greed, betrayal and violence, as police trace how the crime unfolded and a neighbour emerged as the accused.
With hundreds of vessels anchored and crude flows stalled, two Indian LPG tankers prepare to sail through Hormuz.
The National Capital Region woke up to a dense fog on Saturday, as the temperature dipped following heavy rainfall on Friday.