Rahul Gandhi Critiques Modi’s Budget 2025 as ‘Temporary Fix,’ Sparks Backlash from Netizens

In response to the budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he took to X to say, “A band-aid for serious wounds!”

“Amid global uncertainties, addressing our economic crisis required a fundamental change. Yet, this government appears devoid of ideas.”

Previously, during a rally in Delhi in advance of the assembly elections, Gandhi pointed out the lack of representation from Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities in the budget formulation process.

A budget focused on the middle class?

The minister made certain announcements related to income tax, indicating that they would primarily benefit the Indian middle class.

According to the announcement, individuals with an annual income of up to ₹1.2 million would effectively be exempt from income tax, a significant increase from the previous threshold of ₹7 lakh.

She also revealed a slightly reduced budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, alongside a modest rise in infrastructure expenditure.

The alterations—expected to cost the government over 1 trillion rupees in revenue—aim to “notably lower taxes for the middle class and provide them with extra disposable income, enhancing household consumption, savings, and investments,” the minister stated.

Official data shows that approximately 63 million people, or over 80% of taxpayers, earn up to 1 million rupees annually.

India is experiencing its slowest economic growth since the pandemic due to escalating geopolitical risks and tariff threats from the U.S. under Donald Trump. Over the past month, investors have wiped off $600 billion from Indian stock valuations.

The government anticipates a growth rate of 6.4% for this fiscal year, falling short of the 8% required to meet Modi’s 2047 developmental objectives. Growth for the following year is expected to range between 6.3% and 6.8%.

Opposition Reactions

The Budget 2025 has faced widespread criticism from the opposition, including Congress.

Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan approved of the tax exemption for incomes up to ₹12 lakh but remarked that apart from that, the budget was “a letdown.” He mentioned the lack of funding allocation for various states and stated that further discussions on the budget were necessary for clarity.

A Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP voiced that there was nothing in the Budget for West Bengal.

“This Budget holds nothing for the common people. It appears to have been crafted with the upcoming Bihar elections in focus. Previously, announcements were mainly directed towards Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. With Andhra Pradesh elections concluded and Bihar polls approaching, the state has gained attention,” Banerjee told reporters in the Parliament complex.

DMK Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran termed the Budget a “major letdown” for the nation.

“It’s a significant disappointment for the country, particularly for the middle class. The Finance Minister claims tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh, but immediately follows with the mention of a 10 percent tax slab for those earning between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh,” he stated.

Social Media Reactions

Netizens shared mixed reactions to these comments.
Some agreed, stating, “This government’s economic mismanagement is appalling. They’re steering India’s economy toward disaster,” while others remarked, “A kursi bachao budget.”

Conversely, many criticized them, saying ‘kuchh toh sharam kar’ and urged him to ‘Refrain from commenting on issues outside your area of expertise.’