PM Modi Takes Jibe At Opposition Ahead Of Budget Session: "No 'Videshi Chingari' For First Time Since 2014"

In his customary address ahead of the Budget Session on Friday, January 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a subtle jab at the Opposition, noting that for the first time in 10 years, there has been no attempt from abroad to stir trouble before a Parliament session.

"This is probably the first session of Parliament since 2014 where no attempt of 'videshi chingari' took place to ignite tensions a day before," PM Modi remarked.

Reflecting on the past decade, he added, "I have observed that before every session, some people are always ready to create mischief, and we know there's no shortage of individuals here to amplify it."

PM Modi also emphasised India's progress, stating that the country is advancing in "mission mode."

Speaking at the Parliament complex a day before the presentation of the Union Budget 2025, he said, "Innovation, inclusion, and investment have consistently been the foundation of our economic roadmap."

Expressing confidence in the Budget Session, PM Modi said it would "infuse new energy and confidence in achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047," the year India will celebrate 100 years of independence.

"I hope that we will live up to the hopes and aspirations of the nation during this Budget Session," he added.

Budget Session 2025 Schedule

The Budget Session, which began on January 31, will be conducted in two phases, concluding on April 4. The first phase will run until February 13, followed by a recess. The Houses will reconvene on March 10, with the session ending on April 4.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, February 1. This will mark her eighth consecutive budget presentation, making her the only finance minister to achieve this feat.

However, the record for the most budget presentations still belongs to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 budgets during his tenure-six between 1959 and 1964 and four between 1967 and 1969.

The Budget Session is expected to focus on key economic policies and initiatives aimed at driving India's growth and development in line with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Priyanka Gandhi reacts

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'no foreign attempt to stoke fire' remark, saying he never talks about people's issues and does not address them.

"He does not talk about people's issues, does not address them. We saw in the last session, he did not (allow) debate. So he will say such things," the Congress general secretary told reporters in Parliament premises.

(With PTI inputs)