New Delhi, July 30 — Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi took center stage in India's Lok Sabha on Monday, delivering a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coalition government during the debate on the Union Budget. Gandhi's speech, lasting approximately fifty minutes, lambasted the government's policies and highlighted various perceived inequities.

During his address, Gandhi accused the Modi administration of neglecting the middle class and promoting policies that disproportionately benefit large corporations. His remarks were so pointed that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was seen covering her face at one point. Gandhi criticized the government's handling of the economy, asserting that the budgetary measures have "stabbed the middle class in the back and chest."

Gandhi illustrated his points with a photograph from the Budget Halwa ceremony, where Sitharaman and ministry officials were present. He noted the absence of officials from OBC, Dalit, and tribal backgrounds, using this as a metaphor to argue that 73 percent of India's population is excluded from the benefits enjoyed by a privileged few. "Sir, you are eating halwa, but the rest of the country is not getting halwa," he remarked, suggesting that the economic policies of the government are not reaching the masses.

Despite frequent interruptions from members of the ruling BJP, Gandhi remained undeterred. He accused the government of creating a "Chakravyuh" (an inescapable trap) that benefits a select few, specifically naming large conglomerates like the Adani and Ambani groups. He alleged that the budget fails to address the needs of the middle class, lower middle class, poor, and working people, instead favoring big business interests.

Gandhi also criticized what he termed "tax terrorism," claiming that small traders are being harassed by the tax department. He argued that the budget did not provide relief to farmers, workers, youth, women, tribals, minorities, and small and medium-sized enterprises, all of whom, according to him, are suffering under the current economic policies.

The heated session saw Gandhi exchanging sharp words with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, but he continued his speech, undeterred by the interruptions and criticism from BJP members. His remarks reflect the broader discontent among opposition parties regarding the Modi government's economic policies and their impact on various segments of society.