“It Pains Me”: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi Over His “Halwa” Remarks

During a recent debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her disappointment regarding comments made by Rahul Gandhi about the traditional ‘Halwa Ceremony’ associated with the Budget preparation. She stated, “It pains me. Only if he knew why the Halwa ceremony is celebrated. In this country, there is a tradition of serving something sweet before starting any good work. When did it become a photo event?”

Sitharaman criticized Gandhi’s focus on the representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Budget process, questioning why he did not address similar concerns during previous administrations. She emphasized the cultural significance of the ceremony rather than its perceived shortcomings, suggesting that the remarks undermined the ceremony’s sanctity and the sacrifices behind it.