Rahul Gandhi Criticizes 2024-25 Budget, Highlights 'Chakravyuh' of Fear

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the 2024-25 Budget, using the 'chakravyuh' metaphor to describe an atmosphere of fear. He alleged this environment supports monopoly capital, political monopoly, and deep state mechanisms. Gandhi advocated for a caste census to dismantle this 'chakravyuh'.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday used the 'chakravyuh' metaphor to claim that an atmosphere of fear pervades the country and assert that the budget's sole aim is to strengthen monopoly capital, political monopoly, and the deep state.

During the debate on the Union Budget of 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said the fear is spreading through a 'chakravyuh', entangling everyone from BJP MPs to farmers and workers.

'Thousands of years ago in Haryana's Kurukshetra, six people killed a youth, Abhimanyu, in a 'chakravyuh'. A 'chakravyuh' involves violence and fear. Abhimanyu was trapped and killed in the 'chakravyuh',' he said, referencing the Mahabharat legend.

Gandhi explained that the 'chakravyuh', also known as a 'Padmavyūha', resembles a lotus (the BJP symbol). 'You build a 'chakravyuh', and we break the 'chakravyuh',' he asserted, noting that the opposition aims to dismantle this cycle through a caste census.

In the 21st century, a new 'chakravyuh' is formed, symbolized by the lotus worn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi claimed this formation entrapped youth, women, farmers, and MSMEs, driven by monopoly capital, agencies like CBI and ED, and political executives.

These forces, he said, devastate the country. Gandhi criticized the budget for failing to weaken this 'chakravyuh', instead reinforcing monopoly business and political monopoly, and continuing tax terrorism. He also highlighted the government's inaction on paper leaks.

Gandhi emphasized the INDIA bloc's commitment to ensuring farmers receive a legal guarantee for MSP. He said the middle class, once supportive of Modi, is now turning towards the INDIA bloc due to dissatisfaction with the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)