New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the Centre has proposed a total expenditure of ₹53.47 lakh crore for the financial year 2026–27, marking a 7.7% increase over the current fiscal.
Replying to the debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said the government will spend a record ₹12.2 lakh crore on capital expenditure (capex), which is 4.4% of the country’s GDP. She reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, stating that the fiscal deficit is targeted to be capped at 4.3% of GDP and that the debt burden will be reduced further by 2030–31.
Responding to allegations raised by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the India–US interim trade framework, Sitharaman said, “No one born can sell or buy this country.” She rejected claims that the government had compromised national interests through the agreement.
Turning the attack on the Congress, the finance minister alleged that the previous UPA government had “compromised farmers’ interests” before the World Trade Organization (WTO). She also dismissed rumours of fertiliser shortages, saying ₹1.71 lakh crore has been allocated as subsidy support for farmers.
During her speech, Sitharaman also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal, expressing concern over the law and order situation in the state.
