BJP : Congress, Clash Over Parliament Conduct as Budget Session Gets Underway
BJP : The Budget Session of Parliament opened amid sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with fresh disagreements surfacing over legislative conduct, opposition protests, and the government’s approach to dissent. The war of words followed comments by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, which drew a strong response from senior Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat, setting the tone for what is expected to be a contentious session.
Congress Pushes Back on Government’s Remarks
Responding to Kiren Rijiju’s criticism of opposition conduct, Sukhdeo Bhagat said Parliament cannot simply “reverse gear” on issues that have already been placed before the public. He argued that once legislation and policies are introduced, the government has a responsibility to engage constructively rather than dismiss concerns raised by the opposition.
Bhagat accused the BJP-led Union government of lacking sensitivity, particularly in the way senior ministers address disagreements on the floor of Parliament. He maintained that democratic debate requires restraint and respect, especially during major national sessions such as the Budget Session.
Key Issues Congress Plans to Raise
The Congress leader outlined several issues his party intends to highlight during the ongoing session. Among them is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which Bhagat described as a continuing concern due to implementation challenges and funding-related questions.
He also pointed to broader economic and policy matters, including the weakening of the rupee against the US dollar, India’s foreign policy direction, and rising air pollution levels in the national capital. According to Bhagat, these issues reflect deeper governance challenges and deserve sustained parliamentary scrutiny.
Budget Session Opens With Presidential Address
The Budget Session formally began on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The address outlined the government’s priorities and set the agenda for the weeks ahead.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget for 2026–27 on February 1. Ahead of that, the Economic Survey of India is to be tabled, offering an overview of the country’s economic performance and policy outlook.
Rijiju Criticises Opposition’s Conduct
After the joint session was adjourned, Kiren Rijiju strongly criticised the opposition, accusing its members of displaying behaviour that he said brought disrepute to Parliament. He claimed that disruptions during the President’s address reflected poorly on the institution and on those elected to represent the public.
Rijiju questioned whether such conduct was befitting of responsible Members of Parliament, arguing that repeated interruptions undermined the dignity of the House during moments of national significance.
Disruptions During References to National Figures
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister specifically referred to disruptions that occurred when historical milestones and prominent personalities were mentioned in the President’s address. According to him, opposition protests coincided with references to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, tributes to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, and the centenary celebrations of Bhupen Hazarika.
Rijiju said these occasions hold deep national and cultural importance and should have been observed with respect across party lines.
Government Says Nation Will Not Accept Insults
Emphasising his point, Rijiju stated that while personal criticism of ministers may be part of politics, showing disrespect during tributes to national figures crosses a line. He asserted that the country would not accept what he described as the collective insult of revered personalities and historic moments.
According to him, political differences should not overshadow shared respect for India’s legacy and values.
Session Schedule and Next Steps
The Budget Session is scheduled to span 30 sittings over a total of 65 days and will conclude on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9. During the break, Standing Committees will examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.
With major economic announcements ahead and deep political divisions already visible, the session is expected to see intense debate on policy, governance, and parliamentary norms.