Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history by presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Her speech, lasting approximately 85 minutes, strongly emphasized investment, economic growth, and reforms, steering clear of any poetic embellishments.
She honored her home state of Tamil Nadu by wearing a purple Kanchipuram sari, a nod to traditional weaving. Despite opening references to Guru Ravidas and Magha Purnima, the focus shifted swiftly to budgetary business and policy initiatives.
This year’s budget speech omitted mentions of poets or cultural icons such as Thiruvalluvar or Basavanna, clearly prioritizing economic development and investment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this budget as a historic milestone, pivotal in setting the nation's future course. Enthusiasm echoed from the treasury benches with frequent applause, whereas the opposition displayed notable dissatisfaction. Congress MPs from Kerala expressed disappointment, citing unmet expectations from the budget.
This budget, for the first time, was prepared at the finance ministry's new office at Kartavya Bhavan. The Lok Sabha floor buzzed with discussions and dynamic exchanges among MPs. On the opposition benches, NCP MP Supriya Sule was seen consoling her cousin, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, on his recent bereavement.
Amidst the budget presentation, ruling party members cheered with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” countered by opposition’s calls of “Jai Samvidhan.” Following the presentation, the Prime Minister and other ministers congratulated Nirmala Sitharaman, reinforcing a strong commitment to the path of investment and growth.
