Mallikarjun Kharge Praises 1991 Budget, Criticizes Current Union Budget
New Delhi [India], July 24: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need for a budget that helps the middle class and the underprivileged. He praised the 1991 budget by former Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, noting it spurred India’s growth. Kharge said, ‘July 1991 marked a watershed moment in India’s history, as the Liberalisation Budget, spearheaded by then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, ushered in a new era of economic reforms.’
Kharge stressed the importance of similar reforms today, stating, ‘There is a pressing need for meaningful, robust second-generation reforms, which help both the middle class and the deprived.’
His statement follows opposition claims that the budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was discriminatory. The INDIA bloc’s Floor Leaders held a meeting at Kharge’s residence and plan to protest in Parliament against the Union Budget.
Rahul Gandhi 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.’
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government failed to conduct the Census and the budget did not mention funds for it. He added, ‘This is the first time since Independence that the Government has failed to conduct a Census on time.’
The Congress party has been allocated approximately 4 hours to speak on the budget in the Lok Sabha. The discussion will be initiated by Kumari Selja and Shashi Tharoor, with Praniti Shinde also participating. Rahul Gandhi wants all party MPs to express their views on every issue.
Doubts Revealed
Mallikarjun Kharge -: Mallikarjun Kharge is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress party and currently serves as its President.
1991 budget -: The 1991 budget was a significant financial plan presented by then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, which introduced major economic reforms in India.
economic reforms -: Economic reforms are changes made to improve a country’s economy, like reducing government control and encouraging private businesses.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is the annual financial statement presented by the Indian government, detailing its revenue and expenditure for the upcoming year.
Finance Minister -: The Finance Minister is a government official responsible for managing the country’s finances, including the budget. Currently, Nirmala Sitharaman holds this position in India.
discriminatory -: Discriminatory means treating people unfairly or unequally based on certain characteristics like race, gender, or economic status.
Population Census -: The Population Census is a count of all the people living in a country, which helps the government plan for services like schools and hospitals.
Congress MPs -: Congress MPs are Members of Parliament from the Indian National Congress party, who represent the party in the legislative process.
protest in Parliament -: Protest in Parliament means that the MPs will express their disagreement with the budget by speaking out or taking actions within the Parliament.
