In the Rajya Sabha debate on the 2024 budget, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clashed over alleged state neglect. Kharge criticized the central government for disregarding state needs and concerns in the budget, arguing that the allocations were inadequate and failed to address regional disparities. He accused the government of centralizing funds and bypassing states in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Source:- news 18
In response, Sitharaman defended the budget, asserting that it includes significant provisions for state development. She highlighted increased funding for central schemes that directly benefit states and argued that the budget supports cooperative federalism by enhancing the overall financial resources available to state governments.
Source:- BBC news
The debate showcased a clear divide: Kharge’s emphasis on equitable state funding and Sitharaman’s focus on the budget’s comprehensive support for national and state-level projects. The discussion reflected ongoing tensions between central and state authorities over fiscal responsibilities and regional equity.
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