Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Budget 2024
Budget Session Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Union Budget 2024 in Lok Sabha
The Parliament Budget Session, which commenced on July 22, is set to conclude on August 12. As the second week of the session began, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered a sharp critique of the Union Budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of aiming solely to strengthen the monopoly of big businesses.
Key Highlights from the Budget Session
Rahul Gandhi’s Speech
Rahul Gandhi took the floor to express his concerns about the Union Budget 2024. He stated that the Budget 2024 appears designed to benefit large corporations, particularly those led by industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, whom he referred to as “A1 and A2.” Gandhi’s comments were made after Speaker Om Birla asked him to avoid using their names directly. Gandhi emphasized that the government’s policies are skewed towards protecting and promoting these business magnates.
Paper Leak Issue
Gandhi also highlighted the pervasive issue of exam paper leaks, which he described as a significant problem affecting the youth of India. He criticized the Finance Minister for failing to address this concern in her Budget 2024 speech, arguing that it reflects a lack of commitment to resolving one of the most pressing issues for young people in the country.
Metaphorical Critique
In a metaphorical critique, Gandhi described India as being trapped in a “chakravyuh” (complex trap), symbolized by the lotus, which is the emblem of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He suggested that this symbolizes the entrapment of the nation by the current government’s policies as outlined in Budget 2024.
Rajya Sabha Discussion on Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths
In the Rajya Sabha, there was a short duration discussion regarding the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. Jagdeep Dhankar harshly criticized the condition of these centres, likening them to “gas chambers.” The incident, which involved severe waterlogging due to heavy rains, has sparked a debate over the negligence of authorities and the safety standards of such establishments.
Political Reactions and Demands
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, accusing them of neglect that led to the deaths. In response, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav called for a thorough inquiry into the incident. They demanded accountability from the officials who issued clearances to the coaching centre. Akhilesh Yadav provocatively questioned whether the government would use a “bulldozer” approach against the centre, a reference to the strict actions taken against illegal structures in other contexts.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Debates
The discussions in Parliament reflect deeper issues concerning governance, accountability, and the direction of the country’s economic policies. The critiques from the opposition highlight a growing discontent with how the current administration addresses issues related to the youth, safety regulations, and economic inequality as reflected in Budget 2024.
Rahul Gandhi’s Accusations
Rahul Gandhi’s speech underscored a broader narrative of the opposition, which accuses the Modi government of crony capitalism. By pointing out the alleged favoritism towards major industrialists, Gandhi aims to question the equity and inclusiveness of the government’s economic policies as proposed in Budget 2024.
Public and Political Reactions
The Budget session has seen a mix of outrage, demands for justice, and calls for more equitable policies. The tragic incident in Delhi has amplified calls for better safety regulations and accountability, while the budget discussions continue to spotlight issues of economic policy and youth welfare.
As the Budget session progresses, these debates are likely to intensify, with both the government and opposition aiming to sway public opinion in their favor. The final outcomes and decisions made during this session will significantly impact the political and economic landscape of India in the coming year.
UPSC coaching center flood