Opposition Slams Discriminatory Budget in Heated Protest

Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India criticized the Union Budget, claiming it was designed to save the government rather than address regional and social issues. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, protested the budget's allocations for states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

Annie Raja, a leader from the Communist Party of India, lambasted the Union Budget on Wednesday, alleging it was crafted to shield the government from failure. Speaking to ANI, Raja contended the financial allocations for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar were strategically prepared to safeguard the government's interests.

Raja further argued that other states grappling with floods and underdevelopment received no significant support. She emphasized the need for better social sector funding, noting that the Rs. 3 lakh crore allocated for women and child development was insufficient given the societal challenges women face. According to Raja, this inadequacy justified the opposition's outcry against the budget.

On Wednesday, members of the opposition INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, staged a vociferous protest in the Parliament complex. Holding placards and shouting slogans such as "Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad," they condemned the budget as discriminatory. The protest featured key political figures, highlighting the widespread discontent over the financial blueprint presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)