Opposition Slams 'Discriminatory' Union Budget 2024-25 with Protests Planned

Congress leader Hanumanth Rao criticized the 2024-25 Union Budget as discriminatory and accused the government of focusing on retaining power. The INDIA bloc plans to protest the budget in Parliament, calling attention to the lack of allocations for Telangana. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget highlighting key priorities.

Congress leader Hanumanth Rao on Wednesday criticized the Union Budget 2024-25, calling it discriminatory. He announced that the INDIA bloc MPs will hold a protest in Parliament against the budget, which he claims is designed to help the government retain power. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the budget on July 23.

Rao argued that the budget falls short of its promise of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and specifically criticized the lack of special allocations for Telangana. He urged opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to address the issue. Rao claimed the budget favors the BJP's political interests over equitable development.

Sitharaman made history by presenting her seventh consecutive budget, surpassing the record of six consecutive budgets by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Her budget focuses on productivity in agriculture, employment, and skilling, among other priorities. Significant income tax reforms and employment creation plans for 4.1 crore youth over five years were also announced.

(With inputs from agencies.)