It was a replay of last year. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley read out his budget speech, paying special attention to agriculture and rural areas. He highlighted a few figures. The media caught on to his words and figures and declared the budget to be pro-farmer, pro-rural and pro-poor.
We analysed the FM speech in our KisanSansad, held this year at Jantar Mantar, to coincide with the budget presentation. We were disappointed and angry. Some of us went to TV studios, tried to expose the truth behind the finance minister’s words and selective figures. Anchors wore an incredulous look. We appeared like habitual complainers, if not professional regime-haters. Politics and TV moved on.
As I read newspaper headlines, editorials and commentaries this morning, I notice positivity all over: fine balance, no populism, tight-rope walk. I began to wonder if we are the ones who have lost our sense of balance.
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