New Delhi: Slamming the Congress on Friday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the party should wash their face with Dettol as the members of Parliament levelled charges of corruption against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre.
Raising questions over financial policies in the Congress-led state governments and criticising the Himachal Pradesh government's decision to increase the value added tax (VAT) on diesel by ₹3, Sitharaman said, “It's in the culture of the Congress that they will level allegations. But when we will respond to them, they will stage walkouts and start shouting… In the matter of corruption, you should wash your face with Dettol.”
Talking about the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as well, Sitharaman further said, "Punjab has increased VAT on petrol and diesel in February 2023, which will lead to an increase in the price of approximately Rs 95 per litre.”
The Union Minister further attacked the Rajasthan government as Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot read from last year’s budget for almost seven minutes in the ongoing budget session.
“There is something wrong in Rajasthan. Last year's budget is being read out this year,” Sitharaman said, adding no one should be in such a situation.
“Mistakes happen by anyone but I pray to god nobody should be able to be in that position,” she said.
Praising the Union Budget 2023-24, Sitharaman said, " In simple words, budget 2023-24, astutely balances the requirement for India’s development imperatives within the limit of fiscal prudence. That is a very difficult balance, it is a very delicately balanced tact."
The Finance Minister further said the Budget focuses on the middle class, employment generation, MSME, agricultural sector, rural population, health and green growth.
"This new tax regime will benefit the majority of middle-class taxpayers...Since the enhanced rebate limit is unconditional, it leaves higher disposable income in the hands of people," she said.