Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi: 'Don't Speak Out of Thin Air' on Budget 2026

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly retorted to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Union Budget 2026, urging him to base statements on facts.
• Sitharaman expressed readiness to consider opposition suggestions but questioned the lack of statistics and in-depth study in Gandhi's remarks.
• She criticized Gandhi for undermining India's economic standing by echoing Donald Trump's 'dead economy' comment while being Leader of Opposition.
• The Finance Minister emphasized the need for a responsible opposition that challenges the government with evidence and seriousness, not baseless claims.
• Sitharaman rejected Congress's accusations that the budget ignored unemployment, farmer distress, and manufacturing recession, asserting the economy's strength and targeted measures.

Why It Matters: Sitharaman urged Rahul Gandhi to base budget criticism on facts, not 'thin air,' emphasizing the need for a responsible opposition.