Congress Leader Hanumanth Rao Criticizes Union Budget 2024-25, Calls for Protest
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 24: Congress leader Hanumanth Rao has strongly criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, calling it ‘discriminatory’ and accusing the government of using it to save their ‘kursi’ (chair). Rao announced that the INDIA bloc MPs will hold a protest in Parliament against the budget, which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23.
Rao stated, ‘It was said that the Budget for 2024-2025 was ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’, but it was not ‘Sabka Vikas’. This Budget is for saving their Kursi (chair), as because of the support of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, they have formed a government. This is the budget of ‘Kursi’.’
He further alleged that the government has done an ‘injustice’ by not allocating any special package to Telangana. ‘Telangana CM Revanth Reddy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many leaders, but still they have not taken the name of Telangana in the Budget. The INDIA bloc to protest against the ‘discriminatory’ Budget at Parliament today. I request that Rahul Gandhi, as an opposition leader raise the issue. Where is ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’? You (BJP) are doing injustice and they are doing their ‘Vikas and Kursi ka Vikas’,’ he added.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 on July 23, making major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, including a boost in infrastructure and special financial support. Sitharaman made history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. The priorities include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling, and services. She listed productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and next-generation reforms as nine priority areas for the government.
Sitharaman introduced an increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. She announced a significant set of income-tax reforms for the fiscal year 2024-25, aimed at simplifying tax laws, promoting compliance, and fostering economic growth. Sitharaman proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore.
Doubts Revealed
Congress Leader -: A Congress Leader is a person who is a member of the Congress party, one of the major political parties in India.
Hanumanth Rao -: Hanumanth Rao is a politician from the Congress party in India. He speaks out on issues and represents his party’s views.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is a financial plan presented by the government of India every year. It shows how the government plans to spend money and collect taxes.
2024-25 -: 2024-25 refers to the financial year starting from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
Discriminatory -: Discriminatory means treating some people unfairly compared to others. In this context, it means the budget is seen as unfair to certain groups or regions.
Kursi -: Kursi is a Hindi word that means ‘chair’. Here, it refers to the government’s power or position.
INDIA bloc MPs -: INDIA bloc MPs are Members of Parliament from a group of political parties that have come together to oppose the ruling government.
Parliament -: Parliament is the place where laws are made in India. It has two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Finance Minister -: The Finance Minister is the government official responsible for managing the country’s money. Nirmala Sitharaman is the current Finance Minister of India.
Telangana -: Telangana is a state in southern India. It was formed in 2014 and has Hyderabad as its capital.
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in southeastern India. It has a long coastline and is known for its agriculture and technology industries.
Agriculture -: Agriculture is the practice of farming, which includes growing crops and raising animals for food and other products.
Employment -: Employment means having a job or work that pays money. It is important for people to earn a living.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical systems of a country, like roads, bridges, and buildings, that help it function smoothly.