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Sitharaman Accuses Gandhi of Not Reading Budget

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 10:34 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locale: INDIA

New Delhi, February 11th, 2026 - The political temperature soared today as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of not having read the Union Budget 2026 before offering his commentary. The exchange, occurring during a parliamentary discussion on the nation's financial roadmap, marks the latest volley in a long-standing and increasingly personal rivalry between the two figures.

Sitharaman's pointed remark - "Budget padha nahi hai (He hasn't even read the budget)" - drew audible reactions from both sides of the aisle. While seemingly a simple statement, it carries significant weight within the context of the ongoing debate surrounding the budgetary allocations and economic policies outlined in the 2026 proposal. The Finance Minister's comment wasn't a spontaneous outburst, sources suggest, but a carefully considered response to what the ruling party perceives as consistently uninformed critiques from Gandhi.

The Union Budget 2026, unveiled last week, focuses heavily on infrastructure development, particularly in the renewable energy sector, with significant allocations also directed towards rural employment schemes and healthcare. Gandhi, in recent public addresses and social media posts, has been vocal in his criticism, alleging the budget favors large corporations at the expense of the common citizen and fails to address the rising issue of unemployment. He specifically pointed to what he termed a lack of concrete measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the Indian economy.

Sitharaman, however, contends that Gandhi's criticisms are demonstrably false, based on incomplete information, and misrepresent the budget's core objectives. She argues the budget prioritizes long-term economic growth through strategic investments in key sectors, ultimately benefiting all segments of society. "It is irresponsible to make sweeping generalizations and accusations without first thoroughly understanding the details of a document that will shape the nation's economic future," Sitharaman stated during the debate. "The budget offers several provisions for SMEs, including increased access to credit and streamlined regulatory processes. These are clearly outlined in the document."

The exchange has ignited a broader discussion about the level of scrutiny and informed debate surrounding economic policy in India. Political analysts note that this isn't just about a disagreement over budgetary allocations; it's about the standards of engagement expected from opposition leaders. Some argue that responsible opposition requires a detailed understanding of government policies before launching critiques, while others defend Gandhi's right to voice concerns based on broader economic trends and the lived experiences of his constituents.

This isn't the first time Sitharaman and Gandhi have clashed publicly. Over the past few years, they've engaged in numerous verbal battles on issues ranging from demonetization and GST to agricultural reforms and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. These exchanges often escalate into personal attacks, with both leaders questioning each other's credibility and understanding of economic matters. The pattern suggests a deep ideological divide and a competitive dynamic that shows no signs of abating.

The coming days are expected to see further intensification of the debate as parliamentarians dissect the budget clause by clause. The opposition is likely to demand greater transparency and accountability from the government, while the ruling party will attempt to defend its policies and showcase their potential benefits. The focus will inevitably remain on whether Gandhi responds to Sitharaman's challenge and engages with the budget's specifics, or continues to frame his criticisms around broader economic concerns. The outcome of this parliamentary showdown could have significant implications for the political landscape and the future direction of India's economic policies. Observers are watching closely to see if this exchange will lead to productive dialogue or further entrench the existing political polarization.