Rahul Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman Clash Over Union Budget 2024-25
New Delhi, July 23: The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Budget in Narendra Modi’s third term, sparking a heated debate between the ruling and opposition parties. Sitharaman made history by becoming the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record.
Key Priorities of the Budget
The Union Budget for 2024-25 focuses on fostering economic growth with priorities in agriculture, employment, and services. The government aims to boost productivity and resilience in agriculture, create job opportunities, and enhance skills.
Opposition’s Criticism
Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the budget, calling it a ‘Kursi Bachao Budget’ and accusing the government of making hollow promises. He tweeted that the budget appeases allies and cronies while neglecting the common Indian. Other opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, P Chidambaram, and Akhilesh Yadav, echoed similar sentiments, labeling the budget as politically motivated and lacking vision.
Government’s Defense
Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the budget, stating it would drive economic development and uplift the poor and farmers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other government officials praised the budget for its pro-people and pro-development approach. They highlighted its alignment with the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Industry Reactions
Industry leaders welcomed the budget, noting its comprehensive approach to economic growth and ease of doing business. Sanjiv Puri of the Confederation of Indian Industry and other business leaders praised the budget’s focus on investments and structural reforms.
Doubts Revealed
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress party. He is known for being a vocal critic of the ruling government.
Nirmala Sitharaman -: Nirmala Sitharaman is the Finance Minister of India. She is responsible for presenting the Union Budget, which outlines the government’s financial plans for the year.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is a financial statement presented by the government of India every year. It details the government’s revenue and expenditure plans for the upcoming year.
2024-25 -: 2024-25 refers to the financial year starting from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This is the period for which the Union Budget is planned.
Finance Minister -: The Finance Minister is a government official responsible for managing the country’s finances, including the budget, taxes, and economic policies.
ruling and opposition parties -: The ruling party is the political party that currently holds the most seats in the government. The opposition parties are those that do not hold the majority and often challenge the ruling party’s decisions.
politically motivated -: Politically motivated means that actions or decisions are made to gain political advantage rather than for the public good.
agriculture -: Agriculture is the practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals for food and other products.
employment -: Employment refers to having a job or work that pays money. It is important for people to earn a living and support their families.
services -: Services are activities that people do for others in exchange for money, like teaching, healthcare, and banking.
economic growth -: Economic growth means an increase in the production of goods and services in a country. It usually leads to more jobs and better living standards.
Industry leaders -: Industry leaders are important people in business who have a lot of influence and experience in their field. They often give opinions on economic policies.
ease of doing business -: Ease of doing business refers to how simple and friendly the rules and environment are for starting and running a business in a country.