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Kangana Ranaut Hails Budget's Tourism Focus as 'Revolutionary Thought'

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut praised the Union Budget 2026 as "wholesome" and particularly satisfying for women, highlighting provisions like district hostels. She specifically lauded the government's "revolutionary" focus on promoting structured tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast, including hiking and trekking. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for sustainable railway infrastructure, mountain trains, and a new Buddhist circuit development scheme across several northeastern states. The Economic Survey noted tourism's significant contribution to GDP, while emphasizing the need for strong local implementation to realize its full potential.

Key Points: Kangana Ranaut Praises Budget's Focus on Himachal, NE Tourism

  • Budget called wholesome & satisfying for women
  • Focus on Himachal & NE tourism praised
  • Plans for hiking trails & mountain trains
  • Buddhist circuit scheme for NE states announced
3 min read

Focus on Himachal, Northeast tourism a 'revolutionary thought': Kangana Ranaut on Union Budget

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut calls Union Budget 2026 'wholesome,' highlights revolutionary focus on tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Northeast.

"The focus on tourism is a matter of great relief for all of us and truly a revolutionary step. - Kangana Ranaut"

New Delhi, Feb 1

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Sunday said that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2026 for the record ninth consecutive time is "wholesome" and particularly "satisfying" for women.

Kangana Ranaut, Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, also stated that the government's focus on promoting tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast reflects a "revolutionary thought."

Speaking to IANS outside Parliament, Kangana Ranaut said, "The budget is quite wholesome. I would say it is especially satisfying for women, as it includes provisions such as hostels in every district. The budget has also given importance to Ayurveda and Yoga, which are our cultural treasures."

She further highlighted the emphasis on tourism, especially in the Northeast and hill states like Himachal Pradesh.

"For people in the Northeast and regions like Himachal, activities such as hiking and trekking are being promoted in a structured way. The focus on tourism is a matter of great relief for all of us and truly a revolutionary step," she said.

Kangana Ranaut also praised the overall presentation of the budget.

"Various aspects, including agriculture and related products like different types of nuts, which are prevalent in Himachal, have been covered thoughtfully. The budget has been presented in a very beautiful and comprehensive manner. I want to thank the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Finance Minister for this," she added.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre will develop ecologically sustainable railway infrastructure and hiking trails in major hill stations. She also mentioned the plans to introduce mountain trains in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir.

She has also proposed to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in multiple North-East states during the Budget 2026-27 presentation.

Sitharaman called the northeastern Region a "civilisational confluence of Theravada and Mahayana, or Vajrayana, traditions" and said the scheme will include connectivity initiatives, preservation of temples and pilgrimage interpretation centres on the circuit.

The scheme will span the states of Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura and is expected to boost tourism and connectivity in the region.

The news comes soon after the Economic Survey 2025-26 highlighted the role of the tourism sector in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

As per the estimates of the Ministry of Tourism, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 per cent to GDP in FY24, close to pre-pandemic levels. However, the survey cautioned that realising the full potential of the sector in different regions and converting it into sustained economic outcomes depends on implementation capacity at the State and local levels.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Focusing on the Northeast is long overdue. It's one of the most beautiful parts of our country but connectivity has always been an issue. A Buddhist circuit covering multiple states sounds promising for both tourism and cultural preservation. Hope it brings economic growth to the region.
A
Aman W
Good to see focus on Ayurveda and Yoga in the budget. These are indeed our treasures and promoting them globally through tourism is a smart move. But the real test is execution. We've heard big plans before. Let's see if the states have the capacity to implement this properly.
S
Sarah B
The emphasis on *ecologically sustainable* infrastructure is key. Hill stations are already under tremendous pressure. Building more without harming the environment is a delicate balance. I hope they consult with local communities and environmental experts at every step.
K
Karthik V
While promoting tourism is great, I hope they don't turn our peaceful mountains into overcrowded, commercial hubs. The charm of Himachal and the Northeast is in their serenity and natural beauty. Development should enhance, not destroy, that. Cautiously optimistic.
N
Nisha Z
Hostels in every district for women is a fantastic initiative mentioned by Kangana. That, combined with safer travel infrastructure in these regions, could really encourage more solo women travelers to explore India. Safety and accessibility are so important. 👍

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