The ongoing Parliament Budget session of 2025 has entered its third day, witnessing intense debates and sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. The session, which began on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both houses, is set to continue in two phases until April 4, 2025.
Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks Spark Controversy
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stirred a political storm by criticizing the central government during his speech. He alleged that President Murmu’s address was a mere repetition of previous ones, dismissing it as a “laundry list” of government achievements. His comments on the presence of Chinese troops in India and the “failure” of the Make-in-India initiative provoked strong reactions from the ruling BJP members. Additionally, he questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invite to the US President’s inaugural ceremony, further escalating tensions in the House.
JPC Report on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, is set to table its report in Parliament today. Opposition members have accused the JPC chairperson of suppressing dissenting voices, alleging that their concerns were redacted from the final report. Heated exchanges are expected as members from both sides debate the findings.
Introduction of the Tribhuvan Sehkari University Bill
In legislative developments, the government introduced the “Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill,” aiming to establish the Institute of Rural Management Anand as a university of national importance. This move aligns with the government’s broader education and rural development agenda.
Key Highlights from the Budget Session
- Budget 2025-26 Presentation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on February 1, setting the economic roadmap for the nation.
- Heated Debates on President’s Address: The Lok Sabha is currently engaged in discussions on the Motion of Thanks for President Murmu’s address, with opposition members criticizing various aspects of government policies.
- Sonia Gandhi’s Controversial Remark: Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi sparked outrage after allegedly referring to President Murmu as a “poor thing,” drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.
Looking Ahead
The budget session is expected to remain turbulent, with crucial debates and policy decisions on the agenda. As Parliament continues its discussions, all eyes will be on key legislative developments and the political confrontations that follow.