In a scathing attack on the Mohan Yadav-led government in Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has branded the state’s 2026-27 budget as ‘ignorant’ rather than ‘knowledgeable.’ Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Nath highlighted the alarming debt burden crushing the state’s finances.
The budget, presented in the state assembly, was touted by the ruling dispensation as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development through knowledge, encompassing welfare for the poor, youth, farmers, and women, while adding industry and infrastructure to the mix. However, Nath dismissed this narrative outright.
‘Madhya Pradesh’s budget is not knowledgeable; it’s ignorant,’ Nath declared. He revealed that the state government is shelling out a staggering ₹27,000 crore annually just to service its debt interest. The total debt has ballooned to ₹5 lakh crore, with over ₹70,000 crore borrowed in the current financial year alone.
Nath painted a grim picture of the state’s economic health, accusing the government of turning Madhya Pradesh into the ‘capital of lies in India.’ He questioned how sustainable development could be achieved when a massive chunk of the budget is eaten up by debt repayments, leaving little for real welfare and growth initiatives.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had defended the budget in the assembly, emphasizing its foundation on ‘Gyaani’ principles—knowledge-based progress. He outlined commitments to skill development for youth, boosting farmers’ incomes, empowering women, enhancing infrastructure, and attracting industrial investments.
But Nath’s critique underscores a deepening political divide over fiscal management. As opposition voices grow louder, the budget’s promises face intense scrutiny. Can the government deliver on its ambitious goals, or will the debt spiral continue to undermine Madhya Pradesh’s progress? The coming months will be telling.