Despite protests from the Samajwadi Party, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 in the Lok Sabha. The party's leader Akhilesh Yadav voiced his criticism of the BJP government's handling of the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. He called for the state government to hand over management to the Army and accused the government of hiding the true number of casualties. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Parliament on Friday and Ms Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey for 2024/25.
Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Union Budget 2025 Amid Protests from Samajwadi Party
On Friday, February 10, 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025 in the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament. Despite protests from the Samajwadi Party (SP), the budget was passed.
Background
The Samajwadi Party has been a vocal critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, particularly in the wake of the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. The stampede, which occurred on January 22, 2023, killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more.
SP leader Akhilesh Yadav has accused the BJP government of hiding the true number of casualties and of mishandling the management of the event. He has called for the state government to hand over management to the Army.
Budget Presentation
Despite the protests, Finance Minister Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025. The budget included measures aimed at boosting economic growth, such as increased spending on infrastructure and social welfare programs.
SP's Criticism
The SP continued to protest the budget, accusing the BJP government of not doing enough to address the concerns of the poor and marginalized. Yadav said that the budget was "anti-people" and "anti-farmer."
President Murmu's Address
Prior to the budget presentation, President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament on Friday. In her speech, she called for unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the nation. She also highlighted the government's efforts to improve the lives of all citizens.
Economic Survey
Along with the Union Budget, Ms Sitharaman also presented the Economic Survey for 2024/25. The survey projected that the Indian economy would grow by 6.5% in 2024/25, up from 6% in the current fiscal year.
FAQs
1. What was the main focus of the Union Budget 2025?
The budget aimed to boost economic growth through increased spending on infrastructure and social welfare programs.
2. Why did the Samajwadi Party protest the budget?
The SP protested the budget, accusing the BJP government of not doing enough to address the concerns of the poor and marginalized.
3. What are some of the key measures included in the budget?
The budget includes measures such as increased spending on highways, railways, and rural development; a reduction in corporate tax rates; and an increase in the minimum wage.
4. What is the projected economic growth rate for India in 2024/25?
The Economic Survey projects that the Indian economy will grow by 6.5% in 2024/25.
5. What did President Murmu say in her address to Parliament?
President Murmu called for unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the nation and highlighted the government's efforts to improve the lives of all citizens.
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