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In a sharp rebuke directed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday launched a scathing attack on opposition figures for allegedly denigrating India while abroad. The comments, delivered at a conclave in Delhi, showcased Sitharaman's dissatisfaction with the Opposition's conduct, particularly their actions during the recent US visit by Rahul Gandhi. She expressed disappointment, stating that despite the significant gains made by the Opposition in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their focus seemed misguided.
Sitharaman specifically targeted Rahul Gandhi's remarks made during his US visit, where he questioned the fairness of the 2024 general elections, labeling them as not “free and fair.” This statement, she argued, highlighted a lack of responsibility in leadership. Sitharaman emphasized that a Leader of Opposition should maintain a certain level of seriousness and that reckless statements made by Rahul Gandhi would not go unchallenged. This assertion underscores the growing tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
Sitharaman also utilized the opportunity to highlight the Narendra Modi government's continued commitment to bold reforms, emphasizing that their third term in office is free from coalition pressures. She assured the audience that the government would continue implementing transformative reforms, echoing the earlier introduction of systemic reforms and welfare schemes. This statement serves to project an image of stability and decisiveness, crucial for the government's re-election bid.
Addressing the contentious issue of freebies being offered by states, including BJP-ruled ones, in the lead-up to elections, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility. She asserted that both the states and the central government must prioritize financially viable projects and avoid making promises that could lead to unsustainable financial burdens. Sitharaman used the examples of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh to illustrate the dangers of this approach, pointing to their current struggles to even pay salaries. This critique appears to be aimed at both opposition and ruling parties, reminding them to prioritize financial prudence in their electoral strategies.