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The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange during a debate session on Monday, with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, taking a sharp jab at the traditional 'Budget halwa' ceremony. Gandhi's criticism centered around the lack of representation of Dalit, Adivasi, and backward class officers in the photograph showcasing the halwa distribution. His statement, “The Budget halwa is being distributed in the photo. I cannot see, one Dalit or adivasi or backward class officer in it. What is happening sir? The halwa is being distributed but 73 per cent (representation) is not even there,” highlighted a perceived disparity in inclusion within the government's decision-making processes.
Gandhi's remarks were met with a visible reaction from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was present in the House during his speech. The video footage captured Sitharaman covering her face and smiling after Gandhi's 'Budget ka halwa' comment. This seemingly dismissive gesture fueled further debate surrounding the significance of the symbolic halwa ceremony and its representation of the government's priorities.
Later in his speech, Gandhi pressed the need for a caste census and pointed out that the Finance Minister was smiling as he spoke, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. He stated, “The Finance Minister is laughing, remarkable! This is not a laughing matter madam. This is caste census. This will change the country.” His words underscored the importance of addressing caste-based disparities and the potential impact of a caste census in achieving social equality. The heated exchange between Gandhi and Sitharaman highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding social justice and representation within the Indian political landscape.
Source: Watch Nirmala Sitharaman's viral reaction to Rahul Gandhi's 'Budget ka halwa' jab