Hyderabad, February 1, 2026 – Within hours of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, the political landscape in Telangana has erupted into a war of words. While the BJP-led Centre highlighted massive infrastructure gains for Hyderabad, the state’s Congress and BRS leadership have dubbed it a “selective budget” that neglects long-standing state promises.
The BJP Stance: “A New Era for Hyderabad”
Telangana BJP Chief N. Ramchander Rao hailed the budget as a visionary document. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that the inclusion of Hyderabad in the High-Speed Rail network (connecting to Bengaluru and Pune) and the ₹40,000 Crore Semiconductor Mission would cement the city’s status as India’s premier tech hub.
“This budget is about the future. By linking Hyderabad to the High-Speed Rail network and making us a semiconductor priority, PM Modi has shown his commitment to Telangana’s youth and economy. It’s a dream budget for the middle class,” Rao stated.
CM Revanth Reddy’s Counter: “Federalism Ignored”
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who monitored the speech from the Command Control Centre, expressed “profound disappointment.” He criticized the Centre for its “step-motherly treatment,” alleging that funds were prioritized for states where the BJP is in power or facing upcoming elections.
The CM’s Key Objections:
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Bifurcation Promises: No mention of the Bayyaram Steel Plant or the Kazipet Railway Coach Factory.
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National Status: Silence on the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project.
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Fiscal Fairness: Alleged discrimination in tax devolution despite Telangana being a high-revenue contributor.
BRS Slams “Zero Expectations” Outcome
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), took a sharper tone. KTR, who had earlier predicted “zero expectations” from the budget, claimed the announcements were “nothing but a mirage.”
“Once again, the ‘Telugu daughter-in-law’ [Nirmala Sitharaman] has given a speech full of promises but an account book that is empty for Telangana. Where is the support for our weavers in Sircilla or the ITIR project for Hyderabad? This is a betrayal of the 4 crore people of Telangana,” KTR posted on X.
Summary of Political Reactions
| Leader | Party | Tone | Primary Comment |
| N. Ramchander Rao | BJP | Positive | “Hyderabad will become a global tech and rail hub.” |
| Revanth Reddy | Congress | Critical | “Centre is ignoring federal spirit and state needs.” |
| K.T. Rama Rao | BRS | Opposing | “Total neglect; unfulfilled bifurcation promises.” |
| Bandi Sanjay Kumar | BJP (MoS) | Positive | “Middle-class friendly and historic for farmers.” |
Union Budget 2026: Major Gains for Telangana; High-Speed Rail and Semiconductor Hub Top the List
Sonia, Manmohan’s Vision Will Guide Congress Rule: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
