“Sitharaman Flags Gender Bias Following Question on Her Attire During Budget Session”

Sitharaman Flags Gender Bias Over Budget Day Attire: ‘They Don’t Ask Men’

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday highlighted persistent gender bias in discussions around Budget day, saying public attention often shifts from her work to her attire—a scrutiny male finance ministers do not 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, yet it becomes a topic for me,” Sitharaman said after presenting the Union Budget 2026 for a record ninth consecutive time.

Referring to public 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.” Emphasising equality, she said, “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 presentation as a significant milestone.

Speaking to students, including young women, Sitharaman reflected on how repeated focus on appearance highlights broader challenges women leaders continue to face, despite their professional accomplishments.