On July 29, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, launched a scathing critique of the Modi government in response to Budget 2024. His remarks came amid a heated session marked by strong reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers. Gandhi accused the government of betraying the middle class through the budget’s provisions, setting a tone of severe discontent and political upheaval.

Criticism of Budget 2024

In his address, Gandhi expressed frustration with the Modi administration’s handling of economic policies. He accused the government of having stabbed the middle class in the front and in the back with the budget's measures. Gandhi highlighted specific grievances, such as the removal of indexation and the increase in long-term capital gains tax, which he claimed disproportionately affected the middle class. His critique was framed within the broader context of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he noted that the middle class had complied with earlier requests from Modi, such as banging pots and using mobile phone flashlights.

Gandhi argued that the new budget signals a shift away from supporting the middle class, which he suggested is now moving towards the Congress party-led INDIA alliance in search of better representation and policies.

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Chakravyuh Metaphor

In his speech, Gandhi invoked the Chakravyuh metaphor from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, to describe the current political and economic climate. The Chakravyuh was a complex military formation that led to the death of Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, symbolizing a trap that is difficult to escape. Gandhi likened this metaphor to the present state of India, suggesting that the country is ensnared in a similar labyrinth of fear.

According to Gandhi, the budget fails to address or weaken this Chakravyuh. Instead, he accused the budget of strengthening the framework of big businesses, monopoly capitalism, and political monopolies, which he argued are detrimental to democratic structures. He highlighted how Demonetisation, GST, and Tax terrorism have already harmed micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and suggested that the current budget exacerbates these issues.

Gandhi's rhetoric painted a bleak picture of the economic and political landscape, emphasizing how the poor and farmers are also caught in this trap. He pointed to the alignment of monopoly capital, political monopoly, and what he termed as the Deep State, which includes agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), as controlling forces in this Chakravyuh.

Controversial Interruptions

The speech was met with interruptions from Speaker Om Birla, particularly when Gandhi named prominent industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Gandhi later referred to these individuals as ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ to avoid further controversy. His direct references to influential figures and his characterization of the government’s actions as part of a broader conspiracy contributed to the contentious atmosphere in the Lok Sabha.

Political and Economic Implications

Gandhi’s statements and the overall reaction to Budget 2024 underscore the deep political divisions within India. The opposition’s vehement criticism of the government’s economic policies reflects broader concerns about the direction of the country’s political and economic future. The budget session, running from July 22 to August 12, will likely continue to be a focal point for debate and scrutiny as these issues unfold.

As the session progresses, the implications of Gandhi’s critique and the budget’s impact on various segments of society will become clearer, potentially influencing the political dynamics and public opinion across the country.

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