The Congress challenged the government's claims of sharp economic growth and job creation. It urged the forthcoming budget to address issues of sluggish private investment, stagnant private consumption, plummeting household savings, and rising household debt, among other concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Budget for 2024-25 on July 23 amidst debates on the economy's performance and the need for tax relief to boost consumption and accelerate growth.