Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Lack of OBC, SC, ST Representation
New Delhi, July 28, 2024 — In a surprising moment during a parliamentary session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was seen bursting into laughter amidst a speech by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The incident occurred as Gandhi criticized the lack of representation of OBC, SC, and ST officers in the budget halwa ceremony.
Gandhi highlighted a photograph from the recent budget halwa ceremony, pointing out the absence of officers from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). "The budget halwa is being distributed, and in this picture, not a single OBC, SC, or ST officer is visible," he remarked, drawing attention to the issue of inclusivity.
In a dramatic moment, Gandhi added, "You are eating halwa, and the rest of the people are not getting halwa," implying that the benefits were not being distributed equally among all sections of society.
This statement prompted an unexpected reaction from Sitharaman, who was seen placing both hands on her forehead before bursting into laughter. The Finance Minister's reaction quickly became a focal point of the session, drawing mixed responses from fellow parliamentarians and the public.
The budget halwa ceremony, a traditional event held before the presentation of the Union Budget, involves the preparation and distribution of halwa to officials involved in the budget-making process. Gandhi's comments have sparked a broader conversation about representation and equity within government processes.
The incident has since gone viral, with various social media platforms abuzz with reactions and memes about the exchange. While some have criticized the government's perceived lack of inclusivity, others have defended the traditions and practices of the budget ceremony.
As the debate continues, this episode underscores the ongoing discussions about diversity and representation within India's political and bureaucratic systems.
