Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a sharp attack on Congress while replying to the discussion on the budget.

New Delhi, 11 February. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while replying to the general discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, strongly protested against Rahul Gandhi’s statement about ‘selling the country’. He said that till now no person has been born who can sell the country. Along with this, he sharply targeted the Congress and the opposition.

Opposition cornered on women’s safety

On the issue of women’s safety, the Finance Minister said that some state governments are blaming women instead of improving law and order. Referring to the incidents in West Bengal, he said that there are no laws but bombs. He alleged that the opposition is shirking responsibility in the matter of women’s safety.

Questions on law and order and investment in Kerala

Nirmala Sitharaman said that investment is affected due to poor law and order situation in communist ruled states. He claimed that industry groups have withdrawn investments in Kerala. Also citing NCRB data, he said that the crime rate against Scheduled Castes and Tribes is high in Kerala.

Clarification given on data and subsidy

On Rahul Gandhi’s concern about data going abroad, the Finance Minister said that the government is working towards setting up data centers in India itself, which will also increase employment opportunities. He said that a provision of Rs 2.27 lakh crore has been made for total food subsidy and 80 crore people are being given free ration. Rs 4,064 crore has been allocated for the food processing industry.

Accusations on Congress on WTO agreement

Referring to the 2013 WTO agreement, the Finance Minister said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not intervened in 2014, purchasing from farmers at MSP would not have been possible. He alleged that Congress had compromised the interests of the country and farmers at that time.

to the states 25.44 lakh crore rupees will be transferred

Nirmala Sitharaman said that Rs 25.44 lakh crore will be given to the states under tax transfer in the financial year 2027. The total expenditure for the year 2026-27 is estimated at Rs 53.47 lakh crore. He clarified that the amount received from cess and surcharge is given to the states for development works and is separate from the 41% tax share.