Updated March 28th 2025, 09:56 IST
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha has responded to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s light-hearted jibe about his Oxford classes, saying she should focus on improving rural banks instead.
Taking to social media, Chadha wrote, "If only the Hon’ble FM had focused more on the state of rural banks, which are in shambles, instead of the classes I took at Harvard University. "
The exchange began after Sitharaman, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, playfully mocked Chadha’s recent observations on rural banks. She said, “I was amused. He counted fans, checked how many were working, how many banks were painted or not. I am so, so satisfied that MPs, who are otherwise busy with international affairs, have found time to visit rural banks. Raghav Chadha, please do more of this. With your exposure to the Western world, you can help a lot more here."
Chadha had earlier criticized the government during a debate on the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that rural banks were in poor condition and required urgent attention.
Following Chadha’s response, several social media users backed Sitharaman and criticized the AAP leader.
One user wrote, "What precisely have you done for the people of Bharat during your political career?"
Another commented, "At least the FM is trying instead of running away for everything. Grow up, you are a married man now, step out of your diapers."
A third user pointed out, "If only you had done proper research instead of making jokes, you’d know that FM Sitharaman has been proactive on rural banks."
Another user added, "Being an MP from Punjab, you’ve distanced yourself from ground reality in pursuit of Western exposure."
The heated exchange has further intensified the debate over the state of rural banking in India, with both sides standing firm on their arguments.
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Published March 28th 2025, 09:56 IST