Traditional Touch Meets Modern Tech: Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget Presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive union budget using a tablet PC encased in a traditional 'bahi-khata' pouch. Her 83-minute speech, focusing on employment generation, included specific announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, sparking mixed reactions from parliament members.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman combined tradition with modern technology as she presented her seventh consecutive union budget from a tablet PC wrapped in a red 'bahi-khata' style pouch.

Clad in an off-white Mysore silk saree, Sitharaman delivered an 83-minute speech that emphasized employment generation, drawing applause from treasury benches and occasional boos from the opposition.

The strongest opposition came in response to announcements favoring Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, key states for BJP allies JD(U) and TDP. Congress and DMK members voiced their demands for rain-hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala, highlighting the lack of similar budget allocations.

(With inputs from agencies.)