Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary and senior Ministry of Finance officials, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation.
President Murmu extended her best wishes to the Finance Minister and her team, offering traditional ‘dahi-cheeni’ as a gesture of good fortune for a successful budget speech.
Tradition and Preparation
This customary pre-budget meeting upholds a longstanding tradition, symbolizing national unity before outlining the fiscal roadmap for FY 2026-27. Sitharaman, poised for her record ninth consecutive budget, arrived in a magenta silk saree carrying the budget tablet in a distinctive red pouch emblazoned with the national emblem.
Following the Rashtrapati Bhavan visit, the team attended a Cabinet meeting for formal Budget approval, ensuring seamless execution of economic policies amid a promising growth outlook.
Budget Presentation Ahead
The Union Budget 2026 speech is scheduled for 11 AM in the Lok Sabha, focusing on sustained growth, fiscal discipline, and reforms to bolster India’s resilience against global challenges. This pivotal event sets the stage for enhanced prosperity and strategic investments across key sectors.
