After presenting the Union Budget 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team addressed questions from various journalists at the post-Budget press conference which was live-streamed for over 3 hours on the government’s PIB (Press Information Bureau) YouTube channel.
#UnionBudget2021 @nsitharaman holds a press conference with officials from the Finance Ministry on the Union Budget 2021. pic.twitter.com/96NRzeLHo8
— NEWS9 (@NEWS9TWEETS) February 1, 2021
The incident unfolded when a female journalist, who identified herself as Gulveen from The Economic Times, got a chance to ask the FM a question. She started by saying that she has 2 questions, but Ms. Sitharaman’s colleague interrupted her to say, Â “No, only one… others are there.”
On hearing this, the FM intervened in the defense of the journalist and said, “Why do you say that only to her? You didn’t stop the guys.”
#India's finance minister @nsitharaman stands up for #women at post-budget press conference.
When a female reporter was reprimanded for asking too many questions, Sitharaman says "Why do you say that only to her? You didn't stop the guys."
By @ndtv https://t.co/88Ho2Yd7ZL— Joyce Lau 😷 (@JoyceLauNews) February 2, 2021
As per a report in NDTV, several other reporters had already asked the FM more than 1 question by the time the female journalist’s turn came in. Ms. Sitharaman’s remarks drew appreciative chuckles from the audience and the members seated beside her. The journalist thanked her before continuing with her question. Check out the video here:
This certainly became one of the biggest highlights of the event. Here are the reactions of people online:
One out of the many reasons why the Parliament needs more women representatives #youdidntstoptheguys https://t.co/BuMa3xNILi
— Saurabh Tiwari (@tiwarisaurabh1) February 2, 2021
"You Didn't Stop The Guys": Nirmala Sitharaman's Remark Draws Laughter https://t.co/OH65NGviox via @ndtv pic.twitter.com/5rSLHcN4V9
— Kumar🇮🇳 (@kum_1_09) February 2, 2021
We applaud Nirmala Sitharaman’s gesture. What do you think? Tell us!
Cover Image Source- Left