The MTA Speaks: How Budget 2026 will impact the common man, middle class, and startups?

The Budget Session 2026 is set to play a decisive role in shaping India’s economic direction. With high expectations from the middle class, youth, startups, and investors, the Union Budget will focus on growth, inflation control, tax relief, and job creation. Read an exclusive analysis by veteran journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash.

Post Published By: Sona Saini
Updated : 18 January 2026, 10:14 AM IST

New Delhi: The upcoming Union Budget and all aspects of the Budget Session 2026 that will directly impact the common man, the middle class, youth, startups, investors, and the country’s economy. This Budget Session is not merely the government’s annual accounting exercise, but a clear indicator of India’s political, economic, and social direction in the coming years.

Two Phases of the Budget Session

Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash said in his show 'The MTA Speaks' that this year, the Budget Session of Parliament is being held in two phases. The first phase will run from January 28 to February 13, while the second phase is scheduled from March 9 to April 2. During this period, the General Budget will be presented in the Lok Sabha, followed by a general discussion. Ministries’ demands for grants will be debated, and the government will attempt to pass several important bills.

Role of the Economic Survey

The Economic Survey will also be presented during the Budget Session, serving as the foundation for the government’s budgetary direction. This is why the government, the opposition, markets, industry, and the general public are all closely watching this session.

Budget Day and Political Confrontation

The day of the Budget presentation has always been crucial in Indian politics. On this day, the ruling party presents its achievements and future plans, while the opposition sharpens its strategy to corner the government. Past experience shows that political confrontation peaks on Budget Day, marked by walkouts, sloganeering, heated debates, and disruptions.

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Nirmala Sitharaman and the 2026 Budget Test

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will once again present the Union Budget. If the 2026 Budget goes to her credit, it will be her eighth budget. She has steered the economy through extraordinary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global recession, supply chain disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, West Asia tensions, and rising global interest rates. This budget is now seen as a test of sustainable growth and job creation.

Government’s Three-Level Strategy

The government’s approach this year rests on three pillars: maintaining confidence in economic stability, providing relief signals to the middle class amid inflation and taxes, and reassuring youth, startups, and investors about policy stability and future readiness.

Key Bills and Tax Expectations

Several important bills are expected, including tax reforms, digital economy laws, infrastructure funding provisions, and labor-related amendments. The middle class expects income tax relief, higher standard deductions, and simpler regulations, even as the government balances fiscal discipline.

Inflation and Opposition’s Attack

Inflation will dominate debates, with food prices, fuel costs, electricity bills, and daily expenses under scrutiny. The opposition has indicated it will aggressively raise issues of inflation and unemployment, as seen in previous budget sessions.

Middle-Class Hopes and Household Impact

For the middle class, the Budget is always a mix of hope and anxiety. Tax relief, housing loan benefits, and higher spending on education and health directly affect millions. While infrastructure spending has risen, households await tangible relief.

Startups, Youth, and Job Creation

The 2026 Budget Session is crucial for startups facing funding challenges, tax disputes, and regulatory complexity. Employment remains the most sensitive issue, with a focus expected on job creation, apprenticeships, skill training, MSMEs, and private-sector hiring.

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Political Messaging and Market Watch

Politically, the ruling party will highlight achievements such as infrastructure growth, Digital India, Make in India, and social welfare schemes. The opposition will argue that growth figures mask ground realities. Meanwhile, investors and markets are watching for policy stability and reform clarity.

A Defining Moment

Ultimately, the Budget Session 2026 is a decisive moment. It will determine relief for the common man, tax burden for the middle class, and growth opportunities for youth and startups. Every debate, amendment, and decision will shape India’s economic and political trajectory in the years ahead.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 18 January 2026, 10:14 AM IST