Rahul Gandhi Set to Critique Union Budget in Lok Sabha

Congress MP K Suresh hints that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will critique Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget, likely focusing on its alleged neglect of states other than Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Gandhi is expected to address the Lok Sabha at 2 pm on Monday.

On Monday, Congress MP K Suresh indicated uncertainty about the specifics of what Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would say in the Lok Sabha, but assured that Gandhi would 'expose' the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget. Gandhi is set to speak on the Union Budget 2024 at 2 pm in the Lower House.

'I can't say what he (Rahul Gandhi) is going to say (in Lok Sabha) but at the same time the LoP will expose Nirmala Sitharaman's budget as the key issues have not been addressed and she has only focused on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, neglecting all other states,' Suresh told ANI. Suresh added that Congress MPs, along with the INDIA bloc, will discuss strategy for the Lok Sabha session.

According to sources, Congress MPs believe that as the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul must address the House. In a previous meeting, Gandhi hinted that he prefers a rotational approach to speaking in Parliament, allowing others to take the floor. However, party MPs insist that Gandhi's address would have a significant impact.

Gandhi has previously criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the Union Budget, describing it as an attack on India's federal structure. 'In the greed to save power, there is neglect of other states and discrimination against them,' he stated in a Facebook post.

Participating in an INDIA bloc protest against the budget at the Parliament complex, Gandhi condemned the Finance Minister's major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which included infrastructure boosts and special financial support. The Parliament's budget session began on July 22 and will conclude on August 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)