Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to reply to the discussion on the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha today. The debate comes amid sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the Opposition over economic policies, farmer welfare, and fiscal priorities. Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations against the government. Responding strongly, the Finance Minister accused the Congress of having “knelt down in 2013” and compromising on farmers’ interests. She alleged that key decisions taken during the previous UPA regime harmed agricultural stakeholders and weakened India’s negotiating position. The government maintains that the current Budget focuses on growth, rural development, and farmer welfare, while the Opposition has raised concerns over inflation, unemployment, and rural distress. All eyes will now be on Sitharaman’s detailed reply in the Upper House, as she is expected to counter the Opposition’s charges and defend the government’s economic roadmap.


