Parliament Discusses Union Budget 2025-26 Amid Opposition Protests
Parliament begins discussion on Union Budget 2025-26 as opposition demands a debate on the Maha Kumbh stampede, leading to disruptions in both Houses.
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The Indian Parliament is deliberating on the Union Budget 2025-26 on Monday, with both Houses taking up the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget on February 1, outlining economic priorities and fiscal strategies for the coming year.
The Budget Session, which is divided into two parts, will run until April 4. The initial phase concludes on February 13, followed by a recess before the second segment starts on March 10. The legislative agenda includes 16 proposed Bills, among them the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Immigration and Foreigners Bill.
Tensions escalated in Parliament as opposition parties pressed for a debate on the recent Maha Kumbh stampede, which resulted in multiple fatalities. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that the Business Advisory Committee would determine whether the matter would be addressed. The opposition, however, continued to demand an immediate discussion.
During Question Hour, BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bhiduri criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging mismanagement of Delhi slums and obstruction of the Central government’s PM Awas Yojana. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu responded to questions regarding a proposed airport in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, noting that existing agreements restrict airport construction within 150 km of an operational facility.
The Lok Sabha also saw disruptions as opposition members raised slogans demanding accountability for the Maha Kumbh tragedy. Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain order, reminding them that parliamentary decorum must be upheld.
In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected nine notices under Rule 267, which sought discussions on the Kumbh Mela incident and concerns about constitutional integrity. This decision sparked loud protests from opposition members, who insisted on a debate over the stampede deaths and other pressing issues. Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a motion highlighting alleged instances of disrespect toward the Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Proceedings commenced with customary obituary references and birthday acknowledgments before moving into legislative discussions. Question Hour proceeded amid partial opposition attendance.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging immediate discussion on the non-release of Rs 1,056 crore in pending wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the financial distress of 91 lakh workers, particularly during the harvest season of Pongal.
Lok Sabha:
Report of the Committee on External Affairs on Demands for Grants for 2024-25
Reports from the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture
Introduction of the “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025, by Home Minister Amit Shah
Question Hour
Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
Rajya Sabha:
Question Hour
Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address
