The second half of the Budget session of Parliament commenced on Monday, with the Opposition poised to challenge the government over a range of contentious issues, including delimitation, language policy, the Waqf Amendment Bill, and US trade tariffs.
The government, meanwhile, aims to complete the budgetary process, including the passage of the Finance Bills and the budget for Manipur, which remains under President’s Rule.
The Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc held a strategic meeting early on Monday to coordinate their approach for the session, which is scheduled to continue until 4 April.
The Opposition is expected to strongly oppose the Centre’s three-language policy, which has sparked controversy, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has been at the forefront of the protests against the policy, as well as the proposed delimitation, which southern states fear will reduce their representation in Parliament in favour of the northern states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attempted to assuage concerns regarding delimitation, asserting that “not a single seat will be lost” as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurances.
However, the Opposition remains sceptical and is expected to push for a detailed debate on the issue.
Also read: Budget session set for 'EPIC' heat; Waqf govt’s top priority
Another legislative proposal set to spark resistance is the Waqf Amendment Bill, which has been cleared by the Cabinet and is slated for introduction in this session.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed the government’s intent to secure its swift passage, but Opposition parties have vowed to scrutinise its provisions thoroughly.
The Opposition is also expected to raise concerns over the alleged duplication of electoral roll numbers, a matter that has fuelled allegations of voter fraud.
Additionally, India’s handling of US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures and the deportation of Indian immigrants in chains is anticipated to be a major talking point.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently questioned whether India’s move to cut tariffs on US goods would compromise the interests of domestic farmers and manufacturers.
As proceedings resumed in the Lok Sabha, the list of business included the presentation of multiple Bills and standing committee reports.
Home Minister Amit Shah is also set to move a statutory resolution seeking Parliament’s approval for President’s Rule in Manipur.
The first part of the Budget session, which concluded on 13 February, witnessed intense debates, and indications suggest that the second half will be no less turbulent, with the Opposition determined to hold the government accountable on multiple fronts.
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