Opposition Need Leaders, Rahul Defeating His Own Cause: Nirmala Sitharaman at IES 2024

New Delhi: Speaking at India's biggest economic summit, India Economic Summit 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a sharp jibe at Rahul Gandhi saying that he is "doing a disservice for the cause he pretends to take up."

In a candid conversation with Republic's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami when asked about the halwa controversy, the Finance Minister said, "Other than attempting to pull me down, Rahul Gandhi is doing a disservice for the cause he pretends to take up. Talking about the halwa ceremony where Rahul Gandhi asked how many STs, SCs and OBCs were included... if you really intend to serve the cause of SC and others, it is not a halwa ceremony you will question that. You will do so much more to help the cause. Somewhere I feel the people around him, helping him are not putting the gravity of issues before he takes them up."

Continuing to take a sharp jib at Rahul, Sitharaman said, "Look at the way in Karnataka the Congress party has helped directly or indirectly people to claim farmers' lands in the name of the Waqf Board. Where is the Congress party and where is the Bhatta-Parsaul, where is Rahul Gandhi when it comes to Karnataka's farmers? The gravity of the cause that he takes is momentary."

Speaking about the Opposition, Sitharaman said, "My worry is that India's Opposition, I'm sorry to say this...I don't want to pull down anybody but India's Opposition needs leaders who can stand up in the Parliament and question the government."

"I want an  Opposition leader who sits to ask the question. The moment he gets up, all of us should say, "Oh my God, let's see what he is going to ask now," she added.

India Economic Summit 2024

The Republic Media Network’s India Economic Summit , now in its fourth distinguished edition, is underway at the Network’s grand HQs, proudly hailed as the largest news centre in Asia. This event, held under the visionary theme "Viksit Bharat: Bullseye," serves as a beacon of economic ambition, illuminating India's aspirational path to a $50 trillion economy by 2047.

Bringing together a distinguished assembly of policymakers, business magnates, and industry experts, the summit is a platform for forward-thinking dialogue on India’s future as a global economic powerhouse. Discussions will delve into transformative ideas around policy innovation, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth to shape a vibrant, self-reliant India.