Parliament – Lawmakers Prepare for Extended Debate on President’s Address
Parliament – Both chambers of Parliament are set to begin a detailed discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, marking a key moment in the ongoing Budget session. The debate will bring senior leaders from across parties to the floor, offering a broad view of the government’s priorities and the opposition’s response.
The discussion is expected to draw significant attention, with the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, scheduled to speak alongside several Congress members. Among those listed to participate are Tariq Anwar, Amarinder Raja Warring, Anto Antony, and Jothimani.
Motion to Be Moved and Seconded in Lok Sabha
In the Lok Sabha, the ruling party has nominated Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party member Sarbananda Sonowal to move the Motion of Thanks. The proposal will be seconded by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. The motion traditionally serves as a platform for lawmakers to evaluate the government’s agenda outlined in the President’s Address and to raise policy concerns.
Rajya Sabha Line-Up for the Debate
A similar process will unfold in the Rajya Sabha, where BJP MP C Sadanandan Master is set to move the motion. His party colleague, Medha Vishram Kulkarni, will second it. Members of the Upper House are also expected to engage in a wide-ranging discussion covering economic policy, governance, and legislative priorities.
Time Allotted and Key Replies
Parliament has earmarked a total of 18 hours for the debate across both Houses, underlining the importance of the discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to respond to the debate on February 4, offering the government’s formal reply to issues raised by lawmakers.
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are convening at 11 am to take up the Motion of Thanks. In addition, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to deliver her response later in the session, with her reply slated for February 11.
Budget Session Schedule and Recess Plans
The current Budget session is planned to span 30 sittings over a period of 65 days, concluding on April 2. As part of the schedule, both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13. They will reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees time to examine the Demands for Grants submitted by various ministries and departments.
Union Budget Presentation and Key Themes
Earlier in the session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation. The budget places strong emphasis on youth-driven growth, referred to as Yuvashakti, and is framed around three stated duties aimed at long-term national development.
Focus on Transport and Sustainable Growth
Among the major announcements in the budget is a significant push to upgrade the country’s transport infrastructure. The government has proposed seven high-speed rail corridors linking major urban and economic centres. These projects are intended to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and support regional economic expansion.
The budget also outlines plans for new dedicated freight corridors and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years. Together, these initiatives are designed to strengthen logistics, lower emissions, and encourage environmentally sustainable passenger and freight transport, aligning infrastructure growth with broader climate and development goals.