New Delhi: As the Budget Session of Parliament approaches, political leaders gathered today to discuss critical issues and expectations for the Budget set to be presented on July 23. Except for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), all Opposition parties participated in the meeting, urging the government to allow them to voice their concerns in Parliament.
Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and K Suresh, pushed for the appointment of a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition ranks in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, Congress raised objections regarding the NEET paper leak issue.
YSR Congress, Janata Dal (United), and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly advocated for special category status for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, respectively.
A major point of discussion was the controversy surrounding the Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage by Lord Shiva devotees. The controversy erupted after the Uttar Pradesh government ordered food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. While intended to promote transparency and accountability, many perceive this move as a veiled attempt to identify and potentially target Muslim-owned businesses.
The Budget Session begins on Monday and will consist of 19 sittings until August 12. During this period, the government is expected to present six bills, including one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and seek Parliament’s approval for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, which remains under central rule.
