India, Feb. 6 -- A Union budget represents a moral guide, a political direction, and an economic plan combined into a single entity. It informs citizens not just of the government's planned expenditures, but also of who it aims to support. Budget 2026, unfortunately, achieves none of these effectively.

It was a budget of polish without proof, numbers without nuance, announcements without answers. It speaks in majestic visions but murmurs on delivery. It promises confidence, yet avoids commitment. It declares intent, but evades impact.

In a period when the Indian economy faces declining private investment, pressured exports despite trade deals, weak employment, and increasing household hardship, this budget opts for distance rather than ...