Opposition Protests 'Discriminatory' Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament

Opposition INDIA bloc MPs led a protest in Parliament against the recently presented Union Budget, deeming it discriminatory. Key political figures including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi voiced their dissent, criticizing the budget for favoring BJP-ruled states and being politically motivated.

Members of the opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, staged a protest within the Parliament complex on Wednesday, expressing their discontent with the Union Budget announced on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Slogans such as 'Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad' echoed as MPs held placards calling the budget 'discriminatory.'

Notable political leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav joined the demonstration. 'This is a deceitful Budget and it is injustice...' Kharge remarked to reporters.

Kharge, when asked about participating in the General Discussion of the Budget, responded, 'We will protest and then we will see.' Earlier on Tuesday, the INDIA bloc's Floor Leaders convened at Kharge's residence for a strategic meeting.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized the Budget, stating, 'The concept of the budget has already been destroyed by this year's Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states.' Congress MP Pramod Tiwari declared that the Budget is perceived as favoring BJP, prompting them to protest both inside and outside Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi critiqued the Union Budget 2024-25 on social media platform 'X,' accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises targeting specific states and crony allies. Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, lambasting the Modi government for presenting a budget aimed more at political survival than national progress.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the government for failing to conduct the Census and omitting funds for it in the Budget. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the Budget, labeling it politically motivated and lacking in vision.

(With inputs from agencies.)