FM Sitharaman Rebukes Rahul Gandhi: 'Criticism Lacks Facts, Based on Speculation'

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Union Budget 2026.
• Sitharaman stated she takes opposition reactions seriously but finds Gandhi's criticism lacks factual basis and relies on speculation.
• She emphasized that criticism of policy should be based on facts and data for the government to provide appropriate answers.
• Sitharaman questioned Gandhi's comment about India being a 'dead economy,' stating it weakens his own position as Leader of the Opposition.
• She highlighted the budget's measures for MSMEs, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses, asserting the economy's strong fundamentals.

Why It Matters: FM Sitharaman criticized Rahul Gandhi for speculative, fact-less budget criticism, urging for evidence-based opposition.