Yashwant Sinha's Take: Focus on Inflation in Union Budget

Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha emphasized the need for the Union Budget to address inflation and boost economic growth. He questioned the Modi government's claim of reducing poverty, pointing out the contradiction in providing free food to 82 crore people. Sinha urged for reduced government spending.

Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha has called for the upcoming Union Budget to prioritize taming inflation and accelerating economic growth. Speaking to PTI Videos, Sinha highlighted that the GDP growth rate should be 8% to effectively eradicate poverty.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on July 23. Sinha, who served as finance minister in the Vajpayee government, also questioned the effectiveness of the Modi government's poverty alleviation claims. He noted the inconsistency in providing free food to 82 crore people when reportedly only 5 crore are poor.

Sinha stressed the importance of reducing government expenditure to lower the Centre's market borrowings. Additionally, he pointed out that opposition parties are increasingly vocal about the issue of unemployment.