AAP MP Sandeep Pathak and Opposition Leaders Criticize Union Budget and NITI Aayog Meeting

AAP MP Sandeep Pathak voiced strong criticism of the NITI Aayog meeting organized by the Union Government, stating that opposition voices and concerns go unheard. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah announced they would boycott the meeting, alleging that the budget had not addressed their concerns.

Pathak argued that despite MPs being invited to these meetings, discussions often lead to no substantial outcomes. He said, “MPs are invited to the NITI Aayog meeting, discussions and deliberations take place, but there’s no outcome. The budget reflects the vision of the government… What fundamental or substantial decision has ever been taken in the NITI Aayog meetings? Just one thing that’s discussed in the meeting is how one state can be pushed back. If the government has such a non-cooperative approach, then they need to be told that they are doing wrong.”

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal termed the Union Budget 2024 as discriminatory and announced that the Indian National Congress (INC) Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. Venugopal said, “The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow. In protest, INC CMs will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for 27th July.” He further stated that the government’s attitude was completely antithetical to constitutional principles.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc leaders held a protest in the Parliament complex against the Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Slogans like “Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad” were raised by the INDIA bloc leaders as they protested holding placards in the Parliament building, claiming that the Budget is “discriminatory” in nature. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary KC Venugopal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and TMC MP Dola Sen were seen participating in the protest.

Congress chief Kharge said, “This is a deceitful Budget and it is injustice…” Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises. He tweeted, “Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets.”