“Sachin Pilot is the son of the late Rajesh Pilot. What does he know about the price of wheat flour and pulses?” Rathore asked, responding to Pilot’s remarks describing the budget as “directionless and misleading.”
Rathore also targeted former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, stating that Gehlot would never endorse the Union Budget. “If Gehlot starts appreciating our budget, his political shop would shut down. That’s why he will only oppose it,” he said.
Congress Criticism
Sachin Pilot, Congress national general secretary and former deputy chief minister, had earlier criticized the Union Budget 2026 for lacking concrete measures to control inflation. Ashok Gehlot also alleged that the budget discriminated against Rajasthan, claiming it did not adequately address the state’s economic needs.
BJP’s Defense and Key Provisions
During the press briefing, Rathore welcomed the Union Budget and highlighted key initiatives benefiting Rajasthan. He cited new plans under the Bharatmala Project, with special emphasis on Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Pali districts. Rathore emphasized that Rajasthan’s revenue generation has increased, pointing to the Bhajanlal government’s allocation of Rs 3,030 crore for road development by MLAs as an indicator of growing state income.
He also noted that the budget focuses on healthcare and employment, including measures to ensure that doctors remain in the state by improving working conditions and hospital standards.
“Significant allocations have been made for major sectors, including transport, defence, rural development, agriculture, power, health, and education,” Rathore said, calling the budget a “major achievement” for Rajasthan.
Warm Reception at BJP Office
Rathore was welcomed at the BJP office by city president Gajpal Singh Rathore, rural president Pushkar Teli, Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena, and other local party leaders, reflecting strong party support ahead of state and national political developments.
The debate over the Union Budget is likely to continue, with Congress emphasizing its shortcomings and the BJP defending it as a driver of growth and development for Rajasthan.
