Hemant Soren Slams Union Budget, Warns of Hunger and Farmer Distress

Brief By Newsbrief / 1:45 PM on 06 Feb 2026

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget, questioning the Centre’s claim that it would drive development. Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat, Soren asked whether the budget would actually improve lives or instead push the country towards hunger. He warned that opening agriculture to foreign markets could weaken domestic tools, farmers, and small producers.

The Chief Minister said the impact of the Centre’s economic policies would be felt most by farmers, labourers, traders, and small and medium industries. He also alleged that tribal and Dalit communities have been among the main targets of such policies. Raising concerns over inflation, Soren questioned whether essential items such as food and educational materials had become cheaper.

Referring to his recent visit to Assam, Soren expressed concern over the condition of tribal communities there, saying many continue to live in conditions resembling slavery and face violence when they demand their rights. He said the situation reflected deep-rooted systemic failures that needed urgent attention.