Parliament Budget Session Updates: Key Discussions and Political Reactions

The Parliament’s Budget session resumed after a four-day break, with key discussions and debates unfolding. However, a proposed discussion on the situation in Manipur was not allowed, sparking reactions from opposition parties. Here are the major highlights from the session:

Standing Committees Present Reports

BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh and SP MP Virendra Singh presented reports from the Standing Committee on Defence.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and BJP MP Arun Govil submitted the fifth report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, addressing the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of External Affairs for 2025-26.

Lok Sabha members PC Mohan and Godam Nagesh presented reports from the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment.

Opposition Pushes for Key Discussions

TMC leader Derek O’Brien urged for a debate under Rule 176 on key issues affecting democracy. Opposition parties continued to demand discussions on:

Voter ID duplication issue, which was initially raised by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Delimitation concerns, especially by southern state representatives.

Despite opposition pressure, the government did not allow a discussion on Manipur, leading to fresh political debates.

Election Commission Meeting on Voter ID and Aadhaar Linkage

The Chief Election Commissioner has scheduled a meeting on March 18 with key government officials to discuss concerns about Aadhaar-linked voter ID duplication and alleged fake voter registrations.

Government Assurances in Parliament: Kiren Rijiju Speaks

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reassured the Rajya Sabha that all assurances given by ministers are taken seriously. He emphasized the importance of government accountability in a democracy.

Rail Budget Sparks Controversy

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad criticized the Railway Budget, calling it a “failed budget”, despite claims of record-breaking achievements by the government.

Vice President Dhankhar Resumes Duties After Health Scare

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was recently hospitalized for cardiac-related issues, resumed his role as Rajya Sabha Chairman. He expressed gratitude to leaders across party lines, including Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, for their concern and well wishes.

Culture Minister Highlights Forgotten Freedom Fighters

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat accused previous governments of erasing the contributions of many freedom fighters. He praised the Modi government for honoring them through initiatives like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Push for Slum-Free India Through Public-Private Partnership

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora questioned whether the government plans to involve the private sector in slum rehabilitation projects. Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar responded by stating that many states have yet to fully implement the PM-JAY housing scheme.

Illegal Offshore Mining to Be Tackled, Says Environment Minister

MoS for Environment Kirtivardhan Singh assured that illegal offshore mining activities are being closely monitored, with consultations held at various governmental levels.

Rajya Sabha Resumes, Leaders Exchange Holi Greetings

As the Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar extended Holi wishes to all members, marking a return to parliamentary business with a festive spirit.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.