On July 24, 2024, Congress member Gaurav Gogoi and the INDIA bloc led a protest in the Parliament complex against the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The protestors, including prominent Congress leaders and allies from other parties, criticized the budget as discriminatory and unfair, arguing that it neglects the needs of various states and is a reflection of a desperate government trying to preserve its existence.
BulletsIn
- Protest in Parliament: The INDIA bloc held a protest in the Parliament complex against the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Gaurav Gogoi’s Statement: Congress member Gaurav Gogoi described the budget as unfair and claimed that the government ignored pressing concerns of states.
- Desperation Allegation: Gogoi accused the government of presenting a “desperate budget” aimed at saving its own existence.
- Opposition Slogans: Protestors raised slogans such as “Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad” and carried placards criticizing the budget.
- Key Protest Participants: Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, and other political figures like Akhilesh Yadav and Dola Sen participated in the protest.
- Congress President’s Remarks: Mallikarjun Kharge called the budget deceitful and unjust during the protest.
- Future Plans: Kharge indicated that the opposition would first protest before deciding on participating in the general discussion of the budget.
- INDIA Bloc Meeting: Prior to the protest, the INDIA bloc’s Floor Leaders held a meeting at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to strategize their opposition to the budget.
- Congress General Secretary’s Critique: KC Venugopal criticized the budget for discriminating against most states and undermining its concept.
- Pramod Tiwari’s Comments: Congress MP Pramod Tiwari accused the government of presenting the budget as if it were solely for the BJP, while the opposition planned to raise their voices in Parliament.
