Sitharaman Defends Halwa Ceremony Amid Rahul Gandhi's Criticism

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the tradition of the Halwa ceremony, emphasizing its significance and importance, in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticisms about lack of representation in the Union budget preparation. She highlighted the ceremony's role in fostering teamwork and recognizing the hard work of finance ministry officials.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday responded sharply to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's critique regarding the 'budget ka halwa' ceremony during discussions on the Union budget. She stated that this ceremony is much more than a ritual, serving as a testament to the dedication of Finance Ministry officials.

During a budget debate in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi alleged the lack of representation of weaker sections in budget preparation, bringing a poster to illustrate his point. He claimed that no OBC, tribal, or Dalit officers were involved in the process, highlighting a significant representation gap.

Sitharaman retorted that similar practices occurred during the UPA government's tenure, questioning why Gandhi had not objected then. She emphasized the ceremony's tradition and cultural relevance, noting that the staff involved in preparation must stay confined until the budget's formal presentation to maintain confidentiality.