26
Mar
New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2026 through a voice vote, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly countering criticism from opposition parties including the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Replying to the debate, Sitharaman accused opposition-ruled states of obstructing key central welfare schemes. She alleged that benefits under initiatives like PM KISAN and Ayushman Bharat were delayed or denied in certain regions, particularly targeting West Bengal. The minister also criticised the opposition alliance for raising issues in Parliament while remaining absent during responses, calling it a repeated pattern of conduct. Highlighting economic indicators,…