In a strong rebuttal to the opposition’s criticism of the Union Budget 2024-25, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of engaging in mere politics rather than providing constructive feedback.
Speaking on the budget’s significance, Rijiju described it as a “historical budget” with ambitious goals. He condemned the remarks made by some opposition leaders, stating they had done nothing but politicize the budget and insult the people’s mandate.
“I want to condemn the remarks made by some opposition leaders on the budget. The opposition has not addressed the budget’s content but has instead indulged in politics. They have insulted the mandate of the people, which undermines democracy. After the presentation of the first budget of this historic third term under PM Modi’s leadership, the country expects a meaningful discussion on the budget,” Rijiju said in a media address on Thursday.
He urged for a focus on the budget during the parliamentary session and criticized the opposition for failing to highlight any positive aspects.
“The opposition has only criticized the budget without acknowledging any of its merits. As a parliamentary affairs minister, I appeal for a discussion centered on the budget,” Rijiju added.
He emphasized that the budget aims to make India the third-largest economy and includes allocations for infrastructure, global coverage, women, employment, and farmers. Rijiju warned that if the opposition fails to understand this, the public may respond unfavorably. He attributed the third-term victory of PM Modi to public support and accused the opposition of attempting to change the narrative.
On Wednesday, MPs from the opposition INDIA bloc protested in the Parliament complex against the Union Budget presented on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. They raised slogans such as “Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad” and held placards, calling the budget “discriminatory.”
Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the budget on Tuesday, accusing the Finance Minister of making empty promises. He tweeted on social media platform ‘X,’ “Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises at the expense of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets.”
“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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2024
Mallikarjun Kharge also took to ‘X,’ tweeting, “Modi Government’s ‘copycat budget’ failed to replicate Congress’ justice agenda properly! The Modi Government’s budget is distributing half-hearted ‘rewadis’ to deceive coalition partners, ensuring NDA survival. This is not a budget for the ‘progress of the country’; it is a ‘save Modi government’ budget!”
(With ANI Inputs)
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