Congress Leaders Slam 'Kursi Bachao' Union Budget, Plan Protests

Congress leader Manickam Tagore criticized the Union Budget 2024, calling it discriminatory and harmful to middle-class citizens, farmers, and workers. The INDIA alliance announced plans to protest outside Parliament, asserting the budget violates federal principles and discriminates against opposition-governed states.

Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Wednesday criticized the Union Budget presented on July 23, labeling it the 'Kursi Bachao budget.' According to Tagore, the budget punishes middle-class citizens, farmers, and workers, and undermines federal principles.

Tagore stated that the INDI alliance leaders decided to protest outside Parliament to voice their dissatisfaction and address what they perceive as discrimination against states run by opposition parties.

Speaking to ANI, Tagore remarked, 'This budget is discriminatory. It only aims to save the current government while punishing the middle class, farmers, and workers.' Congress MP K Suresh echoed these sentiments, noting that the INDIA bloc leaders unanimously agreed to protest against the Union Budget 2024. 'We had a demonstration at 10:30 AM in front of Parliament. We will also protest inside the house to highlight discrimination against opposition-governed states,' Suresh said.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that the budget breaks the federal structure and neglects states governed by opposition parties. 'This is not a government budget but a 'Sarkar Bachaao Budget,' Tiwari told ANI.

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also criticized the budget, stating it did nothing for farmers despite previous promises. 'They talk about floods but did nothing for the floods in Punjab. There is nothing for the farmers,' Badal said. Following the budget presentation, the joint opposition led a protest outside Parliament, claiming the budget was discriminatory and lacked vision.

'Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad' slogans were heard from the INDIA bloc leaders as they protested with placards in the Parliament building. Notable protest participants included Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Akhilesh Yadav, and Dola Sen.