'I'm Amused': Sitharaman's Humourous Take On Raghav Chadha's 'No Fan, No Chair' Remark On Rural Banks

Last Updated:March 27, 2025, 13:08 IST

Nirmala Sitharaman, in a fun banter, said that Raghav Chadha's exposure to the western world would help people within the country.

Raghav Chadha was seen smiling as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to his speech in Rajya Sabha. (Image: X)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday gave a humorous response to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for raising the issue of the conditions of banks in Parliament.

Sitharaman, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, in a fun banter with Chadha, said that his exposure to the western world would help people within the country. “I was amused, sir, if Member Raghav Chadha does not take offense, he observed the number of fans in the bank, the condition of the bank, how many were whitewashed and not painted. I am really so, so satisfied. There are members of Parliament who are otherwise very busy with many things internationally," she said.

“He has found time to visit rural banks and look at them, noticing there are no fans, no doors, no chairs. Raghav Chadha, please do more of this. It will help people within the country because, with your exposure, particularly to the Western world, you can do a lot more here. Please do," she added.

Following Sitharaman’s reply, Chadha was seen smiling. Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP expressed deep concern over the severe crisis affecting the country’s banking system.

Raghav Chadha on Conditions Of Banks

During the discussion on the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha questioned the central government’s intentions, stating that the bill does not meet public expectations.

He emphasised that banks are not just financial institutions but the foundation of democracy.

Addressing the house, the AAP leader said, “Bank is not just a building made of brick, cement and concrete. Bank is not just the name of an ATM made of iron and aluminum. Bank is a name of trust for the people of our country. But today, this trust earned over the years is breaking, instead of providing convenience to the public the bank has become a web of problems."

“From common people’s savings to farmers’ loans, from students’ education to retirees’ pensions – the banking system is deeply integrated into every citizen’s life. However, growing banking fraud, loan recovery issues, and increasing pressure on employees have resulted in declining public trust in banks. Today, people are hesitant to trust banks with their money," he said.

In addition to this, Chadha also pointed out that home loan rates in the country have surged to 8.5 percent – 9 percent, while education loans range from 8.5 percent to 13 percent. He urged the government to set a maximum limit on education and home loan interest rates.

During the discussion on bill, Chadha warned that without a robust banking system, the entire framework of savings and credit would collapse.

(With agency inputs)

News politics 'I'm Amused': Sitharaman's Humourous Take On Raghav Chadha's 'No Fan, No Chair' Remark On Rural Banks