<h1>Jammu and Kashmir Budget defended as manifesto-driven; opposition brands it partisan and disappointing, citing unmet wage and youth employment needs.</h1> The Jammu and Kashmir government presented a Rs 1.27 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27 defended as reflecting the National Conference manifesto and intended to promote growth, social harmony and prosperity. Opposition parties labelled the Budget partisan and criticised its failure to address long standing concerns of daily wagers, employees, unemployed youth and farmers, accusing the government of repackaging central schemes without new local initiatives. The Congress urged greater central funding given the UT's resource constraints, while business representatives welcomed selected infrastructure and scheme commitments.