Budget 2024: Sitharaman defends lack of state mentions amid Opposition walkout
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the 2024 budget allocations after facing allegations of discrimination from the Opposition. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman explained that it is impractical to mention every state in the Budget speech, responding to criticisms raised by the Opposition, particularly senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
The controversy arose after the Opposition staged a walkout during the Budget presentation. Sitharaman expressed her disappointment at the walkout, emphasizing the importance of democratic discourse. She said, "It is unfortunate that the Opposition, particularly senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, chose to leave rather than listen to my response. In the spirit of democracy, it would have been appropriate for the Opposition to stay and hear my explanations."
Sitharaman also provided historical context, noting that the Congress party, which has been in power for many years, has similarly presented numerous budgets without mentioning every state. She pointed out that it is a longstanding practice, given the impracticality of addressing each state individually in a single budget speech.
Kharge had criticized the Budget for its limited mention of states, prompting Sitharaman's clarification. She highlighted that budget allocations are designed to benefit the nation as a whole, and the absence of specific state mentions does not imply neglect or discrimination.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sringeri postal ballot recount: Votes tampered with, alleges D.K. Shivakumar
Hospet: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday alleged large-scale tampering of postal ballots in the Sringeri constituency.
Speaking to the media near the Tungabhadra Dam, he said, “A large-scale crime has taken place in Sringeri. Tampering has been done using officials. More than 200 ballot papers have been tampered with.”
He further alleged that postal ballots were manipulated despite signatures being recorded during counting, calling it a “shame for the country.”
“They have tampered with the votes of our MLAs. Similar tampering has taken place in Jayanagar too. This is an insult to democracy. There should be a thorough investigation into this. The law will take its course. We will go to court,” he said.
