Amit Shah Directs Zero-Tolerance Anti-Terror Drive as Punjab Seeks Budget Relief

Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a high-level meeting reaffirming zero-tolerance toward terrorism, highlighting the systematic dismantling of J&K's terror infrastructure through unified agency coordination. Meanwhile, Punjab dominated pre-budget consultations chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with state finance ministers ahead of Union Budget 2026-27, demanding enhanced fiscal aid amid agrarian developmental pressures. The state sought farmer incentives raised from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000 per farmer to combat rural distress in agriculture-heavy economy. Punjab objected to 40% state contribution under VB-GRAM scheme as financial burden, requesting exemptions for improved rural infrastructure. It endorsed continuation of Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment with increased allocations, advocating equitable Centre-state fiscal sharing.