Opposition Walks Out as Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Budget 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her Budget 2025 speech amid a heated uproar in Parliament, with opposition leaders raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The protests culminated in a walkout by several opposition members, disrupting the proceedings.

The loudest protests came from Samajwadi Party (SP) MPs, led by party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. As soon as Sitharaman rose to present the budget at 11 AM, SP members demanded an urgent discussion on the recent Mahakumbh stampede, which claimed the lives of 30 devotees.

The opposition has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of politicizing the Mahakumbh congregation and fostering a VIP culture at the expense of ordinary pilgrims. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of January 29, when thousands of devotees gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga on Mauni Amavasya, leading to a deadly crush between 1 AM and 2 AM.

Despite the disruptions, Sitharaman proceeded with her budget presentation, while the opposition continued to protest outside Parliament.

The Budget Session is scheduled to run from January 31 to February 13, after which it will break for recess to review budget proposals. The session will reconvene on March 10 and continue until April 4.