Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Union Budget in Lok Sabha, Calls It a “Halwa” for Monopolies
In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the Union Budget presented by the BJP-led NDA government. Gandhi derided the budget by stating it was merely a “halwa” for the elite, referring to the traditional halwa ceremony that precedes the budget presentation.
Gandhi’s remarks were pointed and aimed at highlighting what he perceives as the budget’s failure to address the needs of farmers, laborers, and small and medium businesses. “We expected this budget to benefit these crucial sectors,” he said. “Instead, it seems designed to fortify the framework of monopoly business, political monopoly, and the deep state, or agencies.”
The Congress leader criticized the budget for not addressing what he termed as “tax terrorism” and highlighted a lack of discussion on the paper leak scandal. In a dramatic visual presentation, Gandhi showcased a picture of the halwa ceremony, noting the absence of representation from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), tribals, or Dalits among the 20 officers involved in preparing the budget. “Hindustan ka halwa 20 logon ne baatne ka kaam kiya hai,” he remarked, pointing out that only one OBC and one minority officer were visible.
Speaker Om Birla promptly intervened, expressing disappointment in Gandhi’s approach. Birla emphasized the need to adhere to parliamentary decorum, stating, “You hold a constitutional position. You cannot bring posters into the House.” Gandhi’s attempt to protest was met with further reprimand from the Speaker.
Furthering his critique, Gandhi employed the metaphor of the ‘chakravyuh’—a multi-tiered military formation from the Mahabharata—describing it as a symbol of the pervasive fear and entrapment he believes characterizes the current political and economic climate. “You build a ‘chakravyuh’, and we will break it,” he declared, signaling the Opposition’s intent to counter what he views as an oppressive cycle of monopoly capital, institutional control, and political dominance.
According to Gandhi, this modern ‘chakravyuh’ is embodied by the BJP’s symbol and the Prime Minister, with the structure being maintained through three primary forces: the concentration of financial power, control by institutions such as the CBI, ED, and IT department, and the political executive. Gandhi asserted that these forces together have severely impacted the nation, calling for a comprehensive caste census and systemic reforms to dismantle this metaphorical maze.
