Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc leaders held a protest in the Parliament premises on Wednesday against the Union Budget, alleging that it was discriminatory towards the opposition-ruled states. The leaders held posters and raised slogans against the government, stating that the Budget was only for saving their political seats. They also claimed that the Budget mainly focused on the development of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, neglecting the opposition-ruled states.
Prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav, Dola Sen, Sanjay Raut, and others participated in the protest. The decision to protest was made in a meeting of the bloc on Tuesday after the Budget was tabled by the Union Finance Minister. As part of their protest, Congress Chief Ministers have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also announced that he will not attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal alleged that this government’s attitude is against Constitutional principles and they will not participate in any meetings designed to hide their discriminatory actions.
On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive budget, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the budget on social media, stating that it will ensure inclusive growth and pave the way for a developed India.
