'Halwa kisko khilaya?': Rahul's dig at govt for not releasing budget ceremony photo

TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Feb 3, 2025, 18:28 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Central government for not releasing a photo of the halwa ceremony ahead of the Union Budget, pointing out the lack of representation of OBC, tribal, and Dalit officers. He emphasized the importance of participation and highlighted findings from a caste census in Telangana, revealing significant underrepresentation of these communities.

'Halwa kisko khilaya?': Rahul's dig at govt for not releasing budget ceremony photo

Rahul Gandhi in Parliament

NEW DELHI: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Monday took a swipe at the Centre while questioning why the Centre did not release photos of the customary Halwa ceremony ahead of this year's Union Budget.

'Look At Me First...': Rahul Gandhi's Roaring Attack On PM Modi Over Budget In Parliament

The Congress leader took the dig in the backdrop of his remarks last year when he had claimed that he didn't see "one OBC or tribal or Dalit officer during the Halwa ceremony".
"Before this year's budget there was no photograph, I was appalled that they served the Halwa but didn't show whom it was served to," Rahul Gandhi said in a jibe at the Centre.

"Halwa khilaya magar dikhaya nahi kisko khilaya (they distributed halwa but didn't show to whom it was served)," he said.
Calling participation a key element for a new development paradigm, the Congress leader said: "We have done a caste census in Telangana. What we have found is shocking. Almost 90 per cent of Telangana is either Dailt, Adivasis, backwards, or minorities. I am convinced that is the story across the country. I am absolutely convinced that the OBC population of this country is not even one less than 55 per cent.
Last year, during the debate in Lok Sabha, the Rae Bareli MP triggered a massive political storm when he claimed that no official in the Halwa ceremony was Tribal or Dalit.
"'Budget ka halwa' is being distributed in this photo. I can't see one OBC or tribal or a Dalit officer in this. Desh ka halwa bant raha hai aur 73 per cent hai hi nahi. 20 officers prepared the Budget of India...Hindustan ka halwa 20 logon ne baatne ka kaam kiya hai...," the Congress scion had said.
The Congress leader was speaking on the role of AI and how India should focus on leading the transition phase from fossil to clean energy. The leader claimed that unless India played a key role in production it would not be able to bypass China, which stands 10 years ahead in the race for data storage and production.
The leader also claimed that New Delhi would always face hurled dealing with expansionist Beijing if it lacked leverage in domestic production.

Check out the Valentine Day 2025 , along with the Valentine’s Day Wishes and Messages.

About the Author

TOI News Desk

The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."

End of Article