“Kursi Bachao”, "Copy Paste": Rahul Gandhi on Union Budget 2024
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi criticised the Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it a “Kursi Bachao” budget. “Kursi Bachao” comments by Gandhi is in reference to the announcements included in the Union Budget for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, from where the Modi government has allies without whom the the NDA is in minority. Gandhi accused the government of making hollow promises to appease allies and offering benefits to corporate cronies without providing relief for the common Indian. He dismissed the budget as a “copy and paste” job from the Congress manifesto and previous budgets.
Earlier, reacting to the internship scheme announced in the budget, which offers first-time employees a one-month salary and internships in 500 top companies, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram sarcastically noted on social media that he wished the Finance Minister had copied more ideas from the Congress manifesto. Gandhi echoed Chidambaram’s sentiments in his critique.
The budget included special provisions for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, states where BJP allies JDU and TDP are in power, which Gandhi pointed to as examples of appeasing allies to maintain the central government’s majority.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi praised the budget for its potential to elevate the nation’s development, claiming it would empower all sections of society, including farmers, the middle class, and marginalised groups. He emphasised the Employment Linked Incentive scheme’s goal to generate millions of jobs, support for higher education, and internships for one crore youth. Modi also highlighted the budget’s support for small businesses, increased collateral-free loan limits under the Mudra Loan scheme, and initiatives to bolster India’s manufacturing and export capabilities.
PM Modi asserted that the budget strengthens the startup and innovation ecosystem, with a Rs 1000 crore corpus fund for the space economy and the abolition of the angel tax. He also highlighted significant capital expenditure plans, including 12 new industrial nodes, satellite towns, and transit plans for major cities. Provisions for a self-reliant defense sector, boosted tourism opportunities, and economic partnerships for women were also underscored in the budget.
