Parliament Budget Session 2026: Both Houses to Debate Union Budget Amid Opposition Protests
Both Houses of Parliament are set to commence discussions on the Union Budget 2026-27 on Monday, with expectations of a confrontational session as Opposition parties plan to push for debates on contentious issues, including the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, marks her ninth consecutive presentation, emphasizing themes of "Yuvashakti" and anchored on "three kartavyas."
Key Budget Proposals and Opposition Reactions
In her Budget speech, Sitharaman outlined significant infrastructure initiatives, proposing seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years. Additionally, the Centre announced an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options to curb speculative trading. While the ruling NDA has welcomed these measures, Opposition parties have accused the government of neglecting marginalized communities, with the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu, calling for a protest against the Budget on February 12.
Opposition Demands and Strategic Meetings
As general discussions begin, Opposition MPs are likely to demand a debate on the framework of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. Earlier, DMK MP T R Baalu moved an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, raising concerns over zero tariffs on certain agricultural products imported from the US, which he argued could harm Indian farmers. Amid this standoff, floor leaders of the INDIA bloc are scheduled to meet at the residence of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to strategize for the remainder of the Budget Session.
Recent Parliamentary Tensions
The session follows recent tensions, including a walkout by Opposition MPs from the Rajya Sabha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. Opposition leaders alleged that Leaders of the Opposition were not allowed to speak, shouting slogans such as "Vipaksha ki awaaz nahi dabegi. Tanashahi nahi chalegi. LoP ko bolne do." Additionally, the Opposition has protested the government's decision to bar Rahul Gandhi from quoting former Army chief General M M Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff, with the government maintaining that references from unpublished materials are not permissible.
Government Responses and Suspensions
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed Parliament, assuring that the interests of sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy have been safeguarded in trade negotiations. He clarified that India has not opened its market to US apples but has provided a quota that is less than current imports, aiming to protect domestic growers. Meanwhile, eight Opposition MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Budget Session for violating House rules, including "throwing papers on the chair" during protests over the China border reference.
Additional Parliamentary Business
In the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Satish Chandra Dubey is scheduled to table the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's report on the operational performance of NLC India Limited under the Ministry of Coal. This adds to the day's agenda, highlighting the diverse issues being addressed during the Budget Session.
The Budget Session is expected to be marked by intense debates and political maneuvering, with both sides preparing for a robust exchange of views on economic policies and international agreements.
