Rahul Gandhi’s speech 'purely fictional', says Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Wednesday strongly defended the budget in the Lok Sabha, terming it a "reflection of New India" where education, health, and job creation are the primary focus. Speaking after Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Shinde took a combative stance, mocking the Opposition leader's speech as "purely fiction," and quipping that any resemblance to reality was "purely coincidental".

Countering Gandhi's criticism of the India-US trade agreement, Shinde said the Opposition should first address its internal cohesion and electoral failures before commenting on international deals. "Those whose political deals are getting cancelled in every state should first worry about their home, their country, and then the world," he said. He cited the Opposition's electoral record -- that it has lost 96 elections in the past 12 years.