Budget Debate Heats Up: Govt Slams Opposition on Bharat Bandh, Rahul Gandhi Faces Ban Demand

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated government funds are citizens' hard-earned money, not to be wasted, and emphasized accountability.
• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya criticized the opposition's Bharat Bandh, asserting public support for PM Modi and calling the shutdown ineffective.
• BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a resolution to permanently ban Rahul Gandhi from contesting elections, alleging he acts like an 'urban Naxal'.
• Jaya Bachchan had a heated exchange with Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha, calling her a 'great storyteller' during the budget discussion.
• Lok Sabha passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, ensuring equal pay, timely wages, and gratuity after one year of work.