Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has unleashed a fierce broadside against the state’s 2026-27 budget, calling it an ‘ignorant’ document blind to the elephant in the room: a towering debt mountain. His comments, made outside the state assembly in Bhopal, expose stark fault lines in the government’s economic narrative.
The budget, hailed by CM Mohan Yadav as ‘Gyaani Budget’ rooted in PM Modi’s knowledge-driven development ethos, promises upliftment for the poor, youth empowerment, farmer prosperity, women’s strength, plus new focus on industry and infrastructure. But Nath sees through the gloss.
‘Don’t call it knowledgeable—it’s ignorant,’ Nath asserted. He dropped bombshells: state debt at ₹5 lakh crore, ₹70,000 crore+ borrowed this year, and ₹27,000 crore yearly gobbled up by interest alone. ‘Madhya Pradesh is now India’s lie capital; the state’s condition is pathetic,’ he added.
In contrast, Yadav’s assembly address painted an optimistic picture. The budget pledges skill-building for youth employment, higher farmer incomes, nari shakti initiatives, robust infrastructure, and industrial-friendly policies—all under the ‘Gyaan’ banner.
Nath’s intervention highlights a core opposition charge: fiscal profligacy over prudence. With debt repayments straining resources, can flashy schemes deliver? As Congress ramps up pressure, the budget’s fate in public opinion remains uncertain.
This clash isn’t just political theater; it’s a referendum on Madhya Pradesh’s financial stewardship. Will the government pivot to debt control, or double down on spending? Observers await concrete actions beyond rhetoric.