President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Budget Session 2026 with Joint Parliament Address
The Budget Session 2026 of the Indian Parliament commenced today with a significant address by President Droupadi Murmu to a joint session of both houses. This ceremonial event, held in the Central Hall of Parliament, sets the stage for the upcoming legislative agenda, with all eyes now turning towards the Union Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Ceremonial Start Amid Political Tensions
President Murmu's speech outlined the government's vision and key policy priorities for the fiscal year, emphasizing economic growth, social welfare, and national development. The address, a constitutional tradition, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and opposition leaders including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. However, the session began under a cloud of political unrest, with opposition parties staging protests and creating commotion in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, highlighting the charged atmosphere as critical financial discussions loom.
Focus Shifts to Union Budget and Legislative Debates
Following the presidential address, the parliamentary focus will swiftly shift to the core of the Budget Session: the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This highly anticipated financial blueprint is expected to detail government spending, taxation policies, and economic initiatives for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The session is poised for intense debates, with the opposition likely to challenge the government's proposals on various fronts, from economic management to social schemes.
The proceedings are set to unfold over the coming weeks, with key discussions on bills, budgetary allocations, and policy reviews. The government, led by PM Modi, aims to steer its agenda through Parliament, while opposition parties, including those led by figures like Rahul Gandhi, are preparing to voice dissent and demand accountability. This dynamic sets the tone for a session that balances ceremonial traditions with robust democratic discourse, impacting India's governance and economic trajectory.