Sitharaman Flags Gender Bias Over Budget Day Attire: ‘They Don’t Ask Men’
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday called out persistent gender bias around Budget day, noting that public attention often shifts from her work to her attire—a scrutiny male finance ministers rarely face.
“Every year, it becomes a strain because of questions about what I am going to wear on Budget day. Would they ever ask a male finance minister this? They don’t ask it of men,” she said after presenting the Union Budget 2026 for a record ninth consecutive time.
Highlighting the impact of such commentary, she added, “Remarks like ‘Arre saree kaun sa’ place undue importance on appearance rather than substance. This becomes a stress point for women. I will wear what I want to.” She stressed equality: “How you treat a man, you treat me also… that means equality in the true sense. Nahi chalega, kaam main dikhao.”
For the presentation, Sitharaman wore a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged her ninth straight Budget as a milestone. Speaking to students, including young women, she reflected on how this focus on appearance highlights broader challenges women in leadership continue to face.
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