There was a huge uproar in the Lok Sabha during the Parliament session on Monday. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is usually calm and composed, got so upset at the interference of the opposition MPs that she angrily said – Brother, it is the truth, why should I not tell it… This should not be a drama. This entire incident happened when the Finance Minister was referring to the status of the defense budget during the UPA government and the Congress MPs were trying to silence her by citing rules.
What was the statement that created the uproar?
Responding to the discussion on Supplementary Demands in the House, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman targeted the defense policies of the previous UPA government. Without taking his name, he referred to an old statement of the then Defense Minister (AK Antony). Sitharaman reminded the House that once the country’s Defense Minister had stood in the Parliament and said that he ‘does not have funds’ for defense matters and modernization of the army.
Finance Minister turned red on opposition’s interference
As soon as Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned the statement of the former Defense Minister, Congress and opposition members started creating ruckus. Congress MPs started repeatedly invoking the rules and interjecting that the name or mention of a person who is no longer a member of this House should not be mentioned in the proceedings.
Due to this continuous interference and noise, Nirmala Sitharaman’s anger reached the seventh sky. Countering the opposition’s objection, he said in a stern tone, why won’t you tell me brother? This is the truth. It should not be a drama that my Defense Minister says something and later it is said that I do not know. It is a matter of record how the army had to face shortage of funds. The Finance Minister made it clear that when it comes to the country’s security and past mismanagement, the truth cannot be hidden behind rules.
no shortage of urea
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha that there is no shortage of urea in the country and the government will ensure its adequate availability even during the Rabi crop season. He assured that farmers will not face any problem in the supply of fertilizer and urea will be supplied to all the states as per the need.
The government’s stand was also given regarding the availability of fertilizers.
Before the uproar on the defense issue, the Finance Minister also presented the government’s stand strongly regarding the farmers and the availability of fertilizers. Responding to the opposition’s allegations that repeatedly raising ‘supplementary demands’ reflected poor budgetary planning, Sitharaman said she was disappointed that MPs were looking at it in the wrong light. He said, supplementary demands are extremely necessary for an accountable government. However, I try not to allow more than two supplementary demands and only have one if possible.
‘Farmers were not let down’
Speaking on the fertilizer crisis, the Finance Minister said that since Covid, there has been unexpected fluctuation in the prices of urea and other imported materials. Despite this, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has not let the Indian farmers despair. He assured the House that the government has ensured that farmers get timely fertilizer for the Kharif and upcoming Rabi seasons. He said, “If farmers want more fertilizer and urea, it is the government’s job to provide it and we will do it.
