2019 to 2026: Of FM Sitharaman's saris, seams and the fiscal fine print

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

62% : Draped in a fuchsia pink sari, with her parents watching from the Speaker's Gallery, she delivered a Budget marked by squeezed capital expenditure (capex), higher taxes on top earners, and higher cess on petrol and diesel. 2020 Mustard silk, marathon speech, calm before storm Also Read Budget 2026-27 reactions LIVE: Industry leaders highlight long-term growth, reform momentum Budget 2026: PF rule clean-up simplifies tax treatment, keeps limits intact From Defence to R&D, what didn't make the cut in Sitharaman's Budget speech Budget 2026:
59% : Sitharaman wore an off-white Mangalgiri sari from Andhra Pradesh, continuing her quiet tradition of spotlighting regional textiles. 2025 Madhubani motifs and middle-class relief Tax relief for the middle class dominated Sitharaman's Budget, paired with a clear push towards consumption-led growth.
53% : The speech introduced taxation on cryptocurrency gains, pruned Customs exemptions, and reinforced the government's public infrastructure thrust, underlining a capex-first approach to sustaining growth momentum. 2023 Ilkal red meets Amrit Kaal promise The final full Budget of Narendra Modi's second term stuck to fiscal discipline while offering modest taxpayer relief and pushing capex for a third straight year.
51% : Her record ninth Budget focused on MSMEs, manufacturing, and financial services, while meeting FY26 fiscal consolidation targets amid global uncertainty, balancing capex support with calibrated tax measures.
40% : Fiscal slippage aside, the abolition of dividend distribution tax and higher Customs duties stood out.

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