Parliament Budget Session Day 3 highlights: Both houses adjourn for the day

Proceedings recommence in the lower house on Tuesday, February 4 at 11 a.m.

Stating that the Leader of Opposition in a house is a responsible post, the assertions made by Mr Gandhi should be taken seriously and must be put to scrutiny as per established procedures. “If we let him a leeway, he may go on to say anything he wants,” Mr Rijiju said. 

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister sought Mr Gandhi authenticate the claims made by him earlier in the day, failing which, appropriate proceedings be conducted against him. 

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister stated that he has not witnessed anyone showering so much praise on China. He further sought that Mr. Gandhi must at the onset apologise to this house for the land that was lost in the aftermath of the 1959 and 1962 war – pointing to the LoP’s grandparents being the head of state back then. 

Furthermore, taking excepting to Mr. Gandhi’s statements earlier in the day, Mr. Rijiju stated, “This is India’s parliament, we will not accept any disrespect of India,” he stated. 

The AIMIM MP sought how the Indian government could “back to business” with China after losing 2,000 sq. km of land. 

With respect to U.S., the Hyderabad MP, gathering data from Pew Research Centre, placed his concerns about there being 7.25 lakh unauthorised immigrant Indians in U.S. “Are we going to accept all of them?” the Hyderabad MP sought. 

Lastly, Mr. Owaisi also placed his observations about the relationship with Bangladesh. “For one person, we are destroying our relationship with Bangladesh. When will my Prime Minister meet his counterpart in Bangladesh? (I fear) we will be out of the game,” he remarked. 

Placing his criticism of the Union Govt’s foreign policy, he held India’s the traditional orientation has been compromised. Pointing to India being a participant in the Genocide Convention, he sought why the Union Government was keeping quiet on the situation in Palestine? 

“When the genocide history of Gaza would be written, PM Modi would be enlisted as an accomplice,” he remarked. 

The Hyderabad MP demanded the India rebuild the health sector in Gaza alongside placing his criticism of allowing arms exports to Israel. “India’s moral voice is dead in Palestine,” he said. 

The Hyderabad MP “cautioning and warning” the government held the bill in its present form would lead to social instability in the country. He argued that the bill has been rejected by the entire Muslim community and there is fear that no Waqf property will be left. “We also want Viksit Bharat. You want to take the country back to 80s? I am proud Indian Muslim, I will not lose an inch of my dargah or masjid,” he stated. 

“You spent ₹7,500 crore on the Mahakumbh, how much would you be willing to spend for Ambedkar Jayanti?” the Nagina MP sought in the lower house. 

The Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) MP contended that a caste census would provide necessary statistics that would be imperative to ensure that the budget allocations are made adequately. Furthermore, they reach the beneficiaries effectively. 

Mr. Chandrasekhar, among other things, voiced his concerns about the treatment of scheduled castes and tribes pointing to the alleged murder of a 22-year-old Dalit woman. 

He further placed his condolences to the people who lost their lives at the Mahakumbh in Ayodhya. “I would urge the state government to provide the list of the deceased so that the compensation could be disbursed accordingly,” he stated. 

During the discussion, Rastriya Lok Dal MP from Baghpat Rajkumar Sangwan urged members to stand with the state government and assist in ensuring devotees are able to participate with the same enthusiasm in the Mahakumbh. He expressed apprehensions about the remarks made in the house about Uttar Pradesh government’s interventions to manage the crowds and provide them facilities. “The Chief Minister is looking into the situation himself. An investigation committee has been set up by the government. Still, he is being questioned?”.

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha are adjourned for the day. The House will resume at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. Discussion on the motion for the vote of thanks on the President’s address will resume then. 

Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, alleging the present government of not believing in inclusive politics, held the notion of exclusion in the treasury was exhibited in them not having a Muslim MP, has been extended to aggravate the crisis in Manipur. 

Mr. Akoijam observed that the state assembly had the “shortest session” in 2023 where no discussion on the crisis has taken place. He further alleged that the state assembly’s operability has been subverted by the Union Govt. “If the CM orders something, the central armed forces refuse to listen,” he noted. The Inner Manipur held, “This amount to an illegal subversion of constitution and democracy: an extra-constitutional subversion of an Indian state – it amounts to nothing but a ‘banana republic’”. 

He stated that the government’s attitude and response to the crisis in Manipur reflects “nothing but a specific form of general conception what this nation is all about.” 

Mr. Akoijam sought a Joint Parliamentary Committee visit the state to assess the situation themselves. 

Considering the long list of members yet to express their views, officiating Speaker Sandhya Ray receives consent from the house to extend proceedings till 10 p.m. 

Congress MP from Allahabad Ujjwal Singh Raman placed his concerns about the recent stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. He held that the state government has not provided information yet about the exact number of people who have lost their lives, the victims’ names and places where the commotion broke out. 

Mr. Raman further expressed his concerns about the alleged improper management by the state government – particularly critiquing VIP movement. “The state government neither provided enough toilets, places to stay, food nor water. Moreover, there was no crowd management,” he held. 

The Congress MP alleged the government was focussed on marketing and branding, whilst the VIPs only wanted to do photo-ops. 

Khagariya MP Rajesh Verma, joining his colleague Mr. Kulaste, also held the Opposition must refrain from making disrespectful remarks about the President. Further objecting to the Opposition’s argument against welfare schemes, he stated, “Her (the president’s) address summarises the schemes and projects undertaken by the government. Figures change every year, not the name of the scheme(s). The Opposition must look at the updated statistics relating to the scheme instead of searching for newer names of schemes.” 

Furthermore, addressing criticism of the budget being skewed towards allocation for Bihar, he held, “There would hardly be big factories in any state, where the operator is not a Bihari. Please harbour a positive perception towards Bihar.” 

Khagariya MP Rajesh Verma, joining his colleague Mr. Kulaste, also held the Opposition must refrain from making disrespectful remarks about the President. Further objecting to the Opposition’s argument against welfare schemes, he stated, “Her (the president’s) address summarises the schemes and projects undertaken by the government. Figures change every year, not the name of the scheme(s). The Opposition must look at the updated statistics relating to the scheme instead of searching for newer names of schemes.” 

The member from Madhya Pradesh, among other things, reflected on the achievements of the Narendra Modi administration in providing housing and of woman with self-help groups. He observed that more than ₹9 lakh crore had been disbursed to such SHGs. 

He concluded his speech stating the house must join in assisting Mr. Modi achieve his vision of provisioning benefits of national development to every person in the country. 

DMK MP M. Shanmugam says that for farmers who are agitating for the last years, the government should give MSPs with legal guarantees for agricultural produce. He also highlights the rising cost of inputs, and moots that equipment be given at subsidized prices. He notes that the price of sugar is far below the cost of production, and adds that tea and coffee should be made essential commodities. 

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’ Brien highlights issues in the country by using ten films submitted as India’s official entries to the Oscars as his throughline- including films such as Mother India, Court, and Newton. 

He also notes that the budget did not have even one mention of several key words: price rise, smart cities, crimes against women, malnutrition, federalism, farmer-doubling income, MNREGA, inequality of income, beti bachao beti padhao, or Manipur.

Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankar asks Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to substantiate the claim that thousands of people died during the Kumbh Mela. 

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijuju asks Mr. Kharge to also substantiate the claims that lakhs of farmers have died. 

A brief disagreement erupted between the Opposition and treasury over DMK MP Kanimozhi’s remarks relating to governors. The Toothkudhi MP alleged that in addition to law enforcement agencies as income tax dept, CBI, national media and ED; the government has been utilising the state governors to “create confusion”. 

Objecting to the remarks, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey held members cannot make remarks about the governor in the parliament. 

Concluding her speech, the DMK MP held the treasury must not deprive the states of their rights and fiscal autonomy and sought they “learn from the Dravidian model”. 

Mallikarjun Kharje, LoP of Rajya Sabha says he will list multiple “lies” told by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and end his speech in Rajya Sabha. His list is as follows:

- In 2014, he said black money will return and everyone will get Rs. 15 lakhs.

- He said he would create 2 crore jobs

- He said would reduce price of petrol and diesel

- In 2022, he said he would clean the Ganga river

- He said infrastructure projects will be completed quickly

- He said that due to Make in India, by 2022 there would be 10 crore jobs in manufacturing

- By 2022, farmers will have twice the earnings, he said. 

- After demonetisation, Mr. Modi said give me 50 days, if after that I fall short, I will accept the punishment of the public

- By 2022, Mr. Modi said a bullet train will run between Mumbai-Ahmedabad

- He said all farmers will get the benefit of PM Kisan Yojana

- He said economic criminals will be brought back to India and entrusted to the people of India

Union Minister Piyush Goyal responds to Mr. Kharge’s speech, saying that he is misquoting statistics. He says that he did not expect Mr. Kharge, a venerable politicans, would spoil India’s image on the global stage. 

The Toothkudhi MP elaborating her argument stated that states which have done well, controlled its population and made advancements in education, health and employment would be the ones to suffer in a potential census-based delimitation. “Just because we have been responsible states, does not mean we have to suffer. The balance of power will become lopsided,” she said. 

Furthermore, about ‘One Nation, One Election’, she stated, “The objective holds that during an election, the issue specific to states are wiped away and lost.” The DMK MP further alleging about the potential objective held, “National parties can set the agenda for elections and states do not matter.” 

Recalling the use of unparliamentary language used against member Danish Ali in the erstwhile Lok Sabha, the Thoothkudhi MP referred to it as a “dark day as India recently celebrated its Republic Day”. She further alleged that there has been a decrease in the number of Muslims in parliament, and overall decrease in SC-ST officers and bureaucrats in the other. 

“The government wants to ensure that minorities do not feel comfortable,” she stated pointing to legislations as triple talaq and the uniform civil code alongside alleged state excess. “They are pushing minorities and make them feel threatened,” she added. 

The Budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday was because of the Constitution not of the Manusmriti, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says. He asserts that the Manusmriti did not allow women and lower castes to do these things. All of this progress is due to the Constitution created by Dr. Ambedkar, he emphasises. 

Mr. Kharge says he will end his speech by saying Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim and Jai Sanvidhan. We put the photo of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi first in the Parliament, although now we put Savarkarkar’s photo and worship Godse, he says. Today Mahatma Gandhi is not part of the budget, he says, saying that the allocation for MNREGA (named after Mahatma Gandhi) was reduced.

He speaks about how people like Savarkar and Golwalkar were against participating in the protests for freedom, and says that this is the history of this party. You say you are patriots and will save the country, but you have not even fought for the country, he asserts. Forget saving, you have become the people selling the country, he says. 

He says that Mohan Bhagwat saying that India received freedom after the Ram Manir was built is an insult to freedom fighters, as is the belief that India became free after Modi came to power in 2014. India got freedom on August 15, 1947, he reminds the house. 

Malikarjun Kharge also criticises the remarks by Amit Shah during the last Parliament session, where he was accused of insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar. 

The Thootkudhi MP reflecting on the recent stampede at the Mahakumbh said the devotees trusted the union and state govt, and gathered there. “Unfortunately, nobody came to protect them,” she held, adding, “We do not know how many people died and there is no discussion in parliament.” 

Placing her criticism of the President’s speech, the Barasat MP said, “They must consider what they are writing. It is coming from the highest and people are listening to her, she must not be fed with wrong information.” The Barasat MP further held that it went against the ethos of the constitution. 

Ms. Ghosh further expressed her concerns about unemployment. “Greater the education they have, greater is the joblessness. Unemployment is at 46%,” she stated. 

The Barasat MP, pointing to National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) data about 30% of the country’s total population being middle class, held that while many promises were made in the recently presented budget concerning the populace, it did not take into account the existing inflation and food inflation. She added the budget also did not mention about farm loan waivers. 

“This (the alleged negligence) is unwarranted for a country that depends on farmers for their food,” she stated. 

Why is the government silent about the murder and alleged rape of a Dalit girl in Ayodhya, questions LoP Mallikarjun Kharge. It offers statements when anything happens, why is the Centre not saying anything, he asks. 

He questions where “sabka prayas” is happening, referring to the slogan of the government. He mentions other incidents of discrimination, speaking of an attack on an MLA and the fact that 80-90% of faculty in IITs is from the general caegory. 

Reflecting on the recent stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Samajwadi Party MP held it was not a natural disaster but reflective of administrative failure. “Did the government not foresee the potential number of devotees who would turn up for the holy festival,” he held. 

In four months, 12,000 MSEs have been shut says Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the second engine of the budget mentioned by FInance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. But the government doesn’t admit, he says. On the other hand, you give all public sectors like airports and railways and resources are given to Adani, he alleges, questioning if there are no other industrialists. 

Rahul Gandhi claimed that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar went to the United States to convince them to invite PM Modi to the U.S.

“We would not send our foreign minister to U.S. to get our PM invited to the US President’s ‘coronation’,” Mr. Gandhi said.

Mr. Jaishankar had attended the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump on January 20 as special envoy to the PM.

Objecting to the Lok Sabha LoP’s remarks, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, ““Leader of Opposition cannot make such serious unsubstantial statement. This is related to the relation between two countries and he is making an unverified statement.”

“We have done caste survey in Telangana. We found almost 90% of State comprises of Dalits, tribals, backward, minorities,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“None of the largest corporates in this country are owned by OBCs, Dalits or tribals,” he added. 

“A moment of pride for the Congress party when PM Modi bowed in front of the Constitution after winning the Lok Sabha election,” Mr. Gandhi said in Lok Sabha.

He also took a dig at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for claiming that India did not get independence in 1947.

“People talk about AI, but it’s important to understand that AI on its own is absolutely meaningless because AI operates on top of data. Without data, AI means nothing. And if we look at data today, there is one thing which is very clear. The data that was used to make this phone, the data that is used to make electric cars, the data that is used to make basically all electronics on the planet today is owned by China,” said Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge condoles the death of people who lost their lives during the stampede at Kumbh Mela. He also pays his tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He says that thousands of people lost their lives during the stampede but the treasury bench immediately erupts in protest.

Kharge asks the government to declare the actual death toll.

Chairman Dhankhar intervenes to say that what is spoken in Parliament carries great weight. “Thousands ? A message from here, even if contradicted, goes to the entire world. I am sure it will pain every heart. Can you go to that extent?... As president of the Congress party, if you put the figure in thousands, I can only appeal to your conscience. I am in great pain,” Dhankhar says. Opposition members retort saying, “Appeal to the leadership” demanding for the numbers to be released.

Kharge continues his speech. He says he may be wrong but asks for the actual death toll numbers be released from the government.

Dhankhar intervenes to say, “This is a very sad moment. I would expect you to withdraw the statement on your own. It will help everyone. What message are we sending?” Opposition members ask for Kharge to be allowed to speak further.

PM Narendra Modi tried and conceptually ‘Make in India’ was a good idea but it is clear that he failed, said Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

We have as a country failed in organising production and handed it over to the Chinese, he added.

Leader of Opposition In Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lok Sabha during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address on Monday. 

Taking a swipe at Make-In-India, Mr. Gandhi said that India has failed as a country to “organise production” and the phone (in his hand) was made in China and only “assembled” in India.

During the debate over Motion of Thanks to President’s address, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked Congress MP Sonia Gandhi for her “poor thing” remark on President Droupadi Murmu.

Sonia Gandhi had claimed that towards the end of her address during the joint sitting of Parliament, the President was “getting very tired” and “she could hardly speak, poor thing”.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar welcomes Russian parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin.

BJP MP from U.P. Neeraj Shekhar brings up Sonia Gandhi’s “poor lady” remark made on President Murmu, saying that the opposition is disturbed by the fact that a tribal woman has risen to the position of the President.

“Today it has become a fashion to pass comments on those occupying constitutional posts,” he adds. Without naming Arvind Kejriwal, he also brings up the allegations made by former Delhi CM on Haryana “poisoning the water of Yamuna.

Mr. Shekhar goes on to list the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. 

Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed prolonged noisy protests by Opposition parties demanding a discussion on the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and a list of those deceased.

When the House met for the first time after the President’s address to the joint sitting and presentation of the 2025-26 budget, the opposition MPs led by the Congress were on their feet and demanded a discussion on the recent tragedy in Maha Kumbh.

Led by deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi and Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, the Opposition members also sought suspension of the Question Hour and demanded a discussion on the stampede. Opposition members were raising slogans such as “Sanatan virodhi sarkar istifa do (step down anti-sanatan government).

- PTI

Speaking during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, BJP member Kiran Choudhry raises the issue of Yamuna and mentions Aam Aadmi Party’s allegations that the water has been poisoned.

Trinamool Congress member Saket Gokhale raises a point of order to contend that the speech was not about the President’s address. Chair denies the request and allows Choudhry to continue.

Only reason the public transport system in Delhi is functioning is because of new reforms by the Central government, said BJP MP Ramvir Bidhuri in Lok Sabha.

Today there is a dearth of 25,000 teachers in Delhi schools, he added.

The Question Hour ended in the Lok Sabha. BJP MP from South Delhi, Ramvir Singh Bhiduri, attacked the Aam Aadmi Party for not letting the Central government implement PM Awas Yojana in the National Capital.

He further highlighted local infrastructure issues of slums in Delhi. Mr. Bhiduri said the conditions were poor due to a corrupt AAP government. He further alleged that the people in Delhi have been kept away from basic healthcare.

Tamil Nadu member Thambidurai asks if Centre will come forward to help setting up a new airport in Hosur. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, in response, says “We want to create as many airports as possible. Already there is an agreement with an existing airport that within 150km no other airport comes in,” Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu says regarding the construction of new airport near Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

He calls the situation tricky and says the Bengaluru International Airport, Tamil Nadu government, Centre should all discuss and come up with a conclusion.

As loud sloganeering continued in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla on Monday urged the Opposition to maintain decorum as other MPs raised their questions. The Opposition members demanded a discussion on the stampede in the Maha Kumbh in which 30 people lost their lives.

“Tanashahi nahi chalegi,” Opposition MPs can be heard saying.

“The people of India didn’t elect you to break tables or raise slogans in Parliament,” the Speaker said.

With several Opposition members not present, Zero Hour concludes and Question Hour begins in the Rajya Sabha.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Monday moved a notice of motion to discuss the “growing instances of disrespect” towards the Constitution and Dr. BR Ambedkar across the country.

Mr. Sujrewala in his notice claimed that there is a “deliberate effort” to undermine the principles of social justice and equality enshrined in the Constitution.

During the Question Hour, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla slammed the Opposition members saying, “Have the people of India elected you as MPs for sloganeering and disturbing House proceedings?”

“I have received nine notices under Rule 267... Members may recall my detailed ruling giving the total rationale on how issues with respect to Rule 267 have to be dealt with, on December 8, 2022 and December 19, 2022... These notices do not conform to the directives imparted,” Dhankhar says and proceeds with Zero Hour. He says the notices were on the alleged mismanagement of Kumbh Mela and increasing incidents of disrespect of the Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. As he rejects the notices, Opposition members resort to loud protests, demanding a discussion on Maha Kumbh stampede deaths.

Proceedings commence in the Rajya Sabha. Following birthday wishes and obituary references. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar proceeds with his opening remarks. Opposition members interrupt his speech with loud remarks.

The third day of the Budget session in Parliament resumed at 11 a.m. on Monday amid sloganeering by Opposition members in the Lower House.

As Parliament’s Budget Session got underway, the Congress has said it will raise issues such as inflation, unemployment, the Maha Kumbh stampede and the alleged insult to B.R. Ambedkar.

It also asserted that the INDIA bloc is united in raising these issues in Parliament.

The opposition party made the assertion after its strategic group held a meeting at Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence last week.

- PTI

Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on the non-release of outstanding wages.

He alleged that the government has “failed to release” dues amounting to ₹1,056 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Tamil Nadu.

In his notice addressed to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, Tagore highlighted the severe financial hardship faced by 91 lakh workers awaiting payment, particularly during the harvest season of Pongal.

“That this House do now adjourn to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the non-release of outstanding wage dues amounting to Rs 1,056 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Tamil Nadu, causing financial hardship to 91 lakh workers pertaining to 76 lakh households, particularly during the harvest festival of Pongal,” Tagore stated in his notice.

- ANI

Here’s what is on the agenda for the Rajya Sabha session on February 3, 2025:

• Question Hour
• Motion of Thanks on President’s Address