In Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed comments by Rahul Gandhi on the exclusion of SC/ST, OBC officials in the halwa ceremony, prior to the Budget presentation. She highlighted the cultural significance and the role of the ceremony in marking the beginning of Budget printing. Sitharaman emphasized the seclusion of involved officials to ensure confidentiality, reflecting the blend of tradition and modern governance in the Budget-making process. She also asked how many SC/ST or OBC trustees there are in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation or the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust.