‘Budgets Make Rich Richer’: Five-Year-Old Thackeray Remark Goes Viral After Budget 2026

New Delhi[India] February 02: Recently the Union Budget 2026 27 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.. An old video of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Thackeray began trending again. The clip is around five years old. It is from a CNBC TV18 event. In the video, he is seen sharing stage with Nirmala Sitharaman. He shared that  people ask about his reaction to budget by Nirmala Sitharaman. His answer was blunt. He said budgets make the rich richer. And then make the poor poorer. He laughed. The timing of the clip made people curious again. Was he proven right now?

What Exactly Did Thackeray Say On Stage

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In the viral clip, Thackeray did not hesitate. He said the middle class gets nothing from such budgets. He added GDP would fall. He mentioned fiscal deficit too. He laughed again after saying this. His words were sharp but calm. Nirmala Sitharaman was seen smiling beside him and not angry. Many viewers now say her smile showed healthy criticism. The clip also shows many famous personalities in audience. Mukesh Ambani and Karan Johar were also laughing in the audience which made the moment even more memorable.

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Nirmala Sitharaman’s Reaction Then And Now

At that time, Sitharaman did not interrupt. She smiled. She stayed composed. Many people online pointed this out. They said she took criticism sportingly. Now, as Finance Minister, she has completed many budgets. The 2026-27 budget focuses on Viksit Bharat. It talks about growth, inclusion and stability. Supporters say her calm reaction then matches her confident approach now. Critics ask a different question. Did the middle class finally get relief? This question dominates social media discussions today.

What Budget Brings To The Table

The Union Budget was presented in Parliament on Feb 01. Total spending is set at ₹53.5 lakh crore and capital expenditure has increased. The fiscal deficit target is 4.3 percent of GDP and big focus areas include infrastructure, technology and manufacturing. New high speed rail corridors were announced. Semiconductor Mission 2.0 was launched. Some taxes were simplified. However, income tax slabs stayed mostly the same. Many middle class families online said relief still feels limited. The debate refuses to die.

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Public Reaction Fuels Viral Debate Again

The resurfaced clip triggered strong reactions online. Some users said Thackeray’s words still feel true. Others defended the government. They said long term growth matters more than short term relief. Many praised Sitharaman’s handling of criticism. Some pointed to her record of fiscal control. The laughter of industrialists in the clip also became a talking point. People asked why such moments matter so much. The answer seems simple. Budgets affect daily life. Old words return when new numbers arrive. And the questions stay alive.