New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, voiced his support for the Union Budget 2026 during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He delivered a uniquely poetic defense of the government’s achievements while cleverly addressing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition figures.

As he contributed to the budget discussion, the leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), known for his distinctive rhyming delivery, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, countering the opposition's critiques through verse.

One notable line from his speech that gained considerable traction was: “Bharat-US ka itna accha ho gaya deal, toh Kharge sahab aap ko kyun ho raha hai feel?” (India and the US have struck such a beneficial deal, so Mr. Kharge, why are you feeling discontent?). This remark was in reference to a recent interim trade agreement, which faced backlash from the Congress-led opposition for purported compromises on national interests.

Athawale continued with, “Achha Budget dene ki jinke paas hai kala, unka naam hai Sitaraman Nirmala. Narendra Modi ji to kar rahe gareebon ko bhala, to Congress walon ka kyon dil jala?” (The one skilled in delivering a good Budget is Nirmala Sitharaman. Narendra Modi is uplifting the poor, so why should Congress members feel bitter?)

In the ongoing Budget discourse, Athawale remarked on the challenges of catering to farmers and the poor but acknowledged that the PM Modi-led government has made significant strides in this area. “While it is challenging to allocate resources for farmers, Prime Minister Modi has succeeded,” he noted, praising the administration's commitment to inclusive growth.

He emphasized the allocation for his ministry, indicating that the Budget for Social Justice and Empowerment has now reached Rs 1.98 lakh crore, signifying a robust increase that underscores the government’s dedication to welfare initiatives for marginalized communities.

Contrasting the current administration with previous governments, Athawale commented that there used to be attempts to “eliminate the poor, not poverty,” but under the existing regime, tangible progress is visible. He cited statistics claiming that 25 crore individuals have been lifted out of poverty through targeted efforts like direct benefit transfers, housing programs, sanitation initiatives, and financial inclusion schemes.

Calling for solidarity, he stated that individuals from various backgrounds support the government and asserted that the Budget aims to deliver justice to all societal segments. “This Budget aspires to provide justice to everyone; hence, it deserves widespread support,” he appealed for bipartisan endorsement.

Athawale's humorous yet incisive remarks, expressed in his characteristic rhythmic style, elicited laughter among members, amidst otherwise intense discussions regarding allocations, state shares, and broader economic strategies.