Opposition INDIA Bloc Protests Union Budget 2024 as ‘Discriminatory’

New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc staged a protest inside Parliament today, denouncing the Union Budget 2024 as ‘discriminatory’ and demanding fair treatment for all states. They accused the government of favouring Bihar and Andhra Pradesh—states governed by BJP’s key allies—while neglecting others.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced projects worth ₹59,000 crore for Bihar and ₹15,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh, including funds for Amaravati’s construction, the Polavaram dam, and industrial nodes.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge declared, “Many didn’t get justice in the Union Budget. We are fighting for justice.” Congress leader Manickam Tagore criticized the budget for neglecting states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, labeling it a ‘Kursi-bachao Budget’.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered, “The Budget is really good and everyone has welcomed it. The opposition is trying to mislead by saying that it is a budget for only two states. It is the budget of the entire country, which is presented collectively to everyone.”

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar defended the allocations for Bihar, calling them justified and necessary, asserting that they are the state’s rightful due.