Reading someone else's script: Shivraj slams Rahul for his Budget remarks

Gwalior, Feb 2 (PTI) – Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Union Budget 2025-26, asserting that Gandhi merely repeats what others write for him and lacks originality in his statements.

Responding to Gandhi’s criticism that the Budget was a mere "band-aid for bullet wounds," Chouhan questioned the analogy, stating, "What does a gunshot wound have to do with the Budget? He doesn’t write anything himself; someone else writes for him."

Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, had on Saturday labeled the Budget as a reflection of the Centre’s "bankruptcy of ideas." Countering this, Chouhan claimed that the statement better suited the Congress itself. "They neither care about the public nor understand the Budget; their only agenda is to oppose. They should view the Budget from the perspective of the people and the nation," he remarked.

Key Budget Highlights Praised by Chouhan​

The Union Agriculture Minister lauded the Budget, calling it a "budget for the people" and highlighting significant tax relief measures. He noted that the government’s move to exempt incomes up to ₹12 lakh from taxation would be a major relief for the middle class.

"This Budget belongs to 140 crore Indians and embodies the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’,"Chouhan said.

He emphasized the Budget’s largest-ever allocation for agriculture and rural development, stating that farmers will now be eligible for low-interest loans up to ₹5 lakh under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, an increase from the previous limit of ₹3 lakh. This, he said, would help farmers invest more in agriculture and horticulture.

Boost for Rural Development​

Chouhan highlighted the Budget’s focus on rural development, promising that efforts would be made to uplift districts with low farm productivity. He also stressed that the financial support to self-help groups would empower women and help eradicate poverty in villages.

"This Budget ensures that every villager secures a livelihood. Women associated with self-help groups will benefit, and no one in villages will remain poor. This Budget will help build poverty-free villages," he asserted.

Madhya Pradesh to Benefit​

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said the state has received significant allocations in the Budget, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making India self-reliant and fostering the development of farmers, youth, women, and the middle class.

With the political battle over the Budget intensifying, Chouhan’s rebuttal highlights the BJP’s strong defense of its economic roadmap while positioning the Budget as a pro-people, growth-oriented policy.