The second phase of the budget session of Parliament has commenced today. In this session, the opposition is expected to target the government on issues such as the Manipur situation and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff threats. Meanwhile, the government is focused on swiftly passing the Waqf Amendment Bill. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present Manipur’s budget during this session.
Key Highlights:
Second phase of the budget session begins today
Opposition aims to corner the government
Focus on Trump’s tariff threats
The second phase of the budget session began today in New Delhi. As soon as the session commenced, opposition members created an uproar over the Manipur issue. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed disruptions as opposition leaders raised various concerns.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged opposition MPs to maintain order. A major clash between the government and the opposition is expected over the issue of ‘EPIC’ (Electors Photo Identity Card). The opposition is planning to raise concerns about alleged voter list manipulation, recent violence in Manipur, and India’s stance on dealing with Trump’s administration.
On the other hand, the government is focused on securing parliamentary approval for grant demands, completing the budgetary process, obtaining clearance for the Manipur budget, and passing the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Owaisi Raises Concerns Over Archaeological Department Vacancies
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the vacant positions in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Lok Sabha. He also highlighted the issue of water leakage and cracks appearing in the Taj Mahal.
Amid the ongoing disruptions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings until noon.
Education Minister’s Criticism Over Language Dispute
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government, calling it “dishonest” for making a “U-turn” on the implementation of PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI). He accused the state government of jeopardizing students’ future.
His remarks led to a strong backlash from DMK members, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for approximately 30 minutes.
Speaking on the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula, Pradhan remarked, “The DMK is dishonest and not committed to Tamil Nadu’s students. They are deliberately creating language barriers and engaging in political drama. Their actions are undemocratic and inappropriate.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Discussion on Voter List Manipulation
In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that concerns regarding voter lists are being raised across the country. He stated that the entire opposition is united in demanding a discussion on this matter in Parliament.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Targets DMK
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticized the DMK, accusing it of inciting emotions for political gain. He acknowledged Tamil as an ancient language but asserted that Sanskrit is even older.
