Union Budget 2026–27: Nirmala Sitharaman Stresses Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took centre stage in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as she began her address on the Union Budget 2026-27, outlining the government's economic priorities even as the House remained tense following sharp opposition attacks.

Opening the debate, Sitharaman said the Budget places strong focus on bio-pharma, alongside sustained support for animal husbandry, agriculture and fisheries, underlining the government's commitment to rural livelihoods and food security. She stressed that these sectors are being strengthened to ensure long-term economic resilience, especially at a time of global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical equations.

Her remarks came shortly after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on the government over the India-US trade deal, claiming that national interests had been compromised. The Finance Minister, however, continued with her Budget response amid disruptions, as Treasury benches rallied behind her and other ministers moved to counter what they described as misleading claims. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later said the government would seek authentication of Gandhi's statements and press for expunging what it called false allegations.

As Sitharaman continues her reply to the Budget, the government is positioning her speech as a detailed rebuttal not just to economic criticism, but also to the broader political charges raised during a stormy day in Parliament, keeping the focus firmly on the Budget's policy intent and sectoral priorities.