10 February,2026 05:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Milind Murli Deora. File Pic
Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MP Milind Murli Deora on Tuesday criticised remarks calling India's economy "dead," which echoed statements made by US President Donald Trump and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, reported the PTI.
Deora said during a discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 that the only thing "dead" is the lack of confidence some people have in India, while their hatred for the country remains alive.
Deora pointed to India's recent trade deal with the European Union, saying, "If India's economy was dead, why did the Europeans sign the biggest trade deal with India and not with China or the United States?"
He further highlighted the fact that this deal proves that countries around the world are eager to trade with us and on our own terms, and that such agreements would not happen if the economy were truly "dead."
Highlighting India's economic progress, he said, "We are the fastest-growing major economy in the world. UPI is processing over 70 crore transactions every day, making India a global leader in real-time digital payments," as per PTI.
He also cited financial inclusion programs like the Jan Dhan Yojna, which brought 50 crore Indians into the formal banking system and transferred Rs 41 lakh crore directly to citizens, saving taxpayers Rs 3.5 lakh crore by preventing leakages.
Deora noted the doubling of GST collections, from Rs 11 lakh crore in 2020 to Rs 22 lakh crore in 2025. He also countered criticism of private sector investment: "Private sector investments have peaked at Rs 6.5 lakh crore in 2024, which is 66 per cent more than in 2021," as per PTI.
Deora criticized previous governments for neglecting manufacturing and entrepreneurship. He praised current initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has spent Rs 24,000 crore and created 12.5 lakh jobs, helping revive the manufacturing sector.
Further he emphasized India's resilience in a volatile global economy: "The budget comes at a time of political and economic instability worldwide. India stands alone as a rare island of macro-economic growth and stability," as per PTI.
BJP MP Surendra Singh Nagar also praised the budget, saying that increased spending on infrastructure would help propel India toward its development goals.
Opposition leaders continued to voice concerns. Kanimozhi (DMK) called the budget a "failed budget" that favors corporates over workers, farmers, and the middle class. Neeraj Dangi (Congress) said the stock market crash on budget day reflected investor losses and unmet expectations. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (TMC) criticized the government for not addressing unemployment and pointed out challenges in the jute industry.
(With PTI Inputs)
