
The winter session of Parliament witnessed a fiery exchange between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The debate began when Kharge criticized the government for neglecting welfare policies, using polished English rhetoric to articulate his points. Sitharaman, in response, retorted sharply, saying, “English is good, but deeds matter more,” accusing the Congress of eloquence without meaningful action.
The exchange centered on economic policies, including inflation, welfare schemes, and the unemployment crisis. Kharge targeted the ruling BJP government for alleged economic mismanagement, contrasting their promises with perceived ground realities. Sitharaman defended the government’s fiscal policies, citing initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Political analysts have highlighted this exchange as indicative of the heightened polarization in Indian politics. The session also saw back-and-forth arguments about legacy politics, as Sitharaman alleged Congress had failed during its decades of governance, while Kharge focused on missed opportunities by the current regime.
The heated debate reflects the ongoing friction between opposition and government, particularly on matters of policy implementation versus promises made. Both leaders’ arguments resonated with their respective political bases, adding to the dramatic narrative that often defines India’s parliamentary sessions.