“Not Mataji, She’s Like A Daughter To You”: VP Dhankar’s Retort To Kharge Evokes Laughter

An amusing exchange between Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Rajya Sabha speaker Jagdeep Dhankar evoke laughter in the house. This incident during the discussion on Union Budget, highlighted the unique dynamics of parliamentary debates. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as “mataji,” a term of respect meaning “mother.” This prompted House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to interject humorously, reminding Kharge that Sitharaman is actually of an age comparable to that of his daughter. This light-hearted moment elicited laughter from both sides of the aisle, showcasing a rare instance of levity amidst a typically serious political atmosphere.

Kharge’s remarks were part of a broader critique of the Union Budget, which he claimed left most states, except Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, with insufficient allocations. He metaphorically described the budgetary provisions as serving “pakoda and jalebi” to these two states, suggesting that the government was engaging in favoritism rather than equitable distribution of resources. Kharge characterized the budget as one aimed at political appeasement rather than genuine development, asserting that such an approach would hinder progress.

In response, Sitharaman defended the budget, arguing that it did not neglect any state. She emphasized that not every state could be mentioned in the budget speech, and the opposition’s claims of neglect were misleading. Citing examples of ongoing projects, she insisted that the government’s initiatives would benefit all states, regardless of their mention in the budget. Sitharaman’s rebuttal aimed to clarify the government’s stance and counter the opposition’s narrative, illustrating the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives within Indian politics.