The Budget session of Parliament commenced with a charged political atmosphere, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sharp swipe at the opposition, remarking that, for the first time since 2014, there was no “foreign interference” attempting to disrupt proceedings. Addressing the media before the session, Modi noted that in previous years, there had always been efforts to create turmoil ahead of the Budget session. He lamented that some within the country had actively contributed to these disturbances but expressed satisfaction that no such interference was observed this time.
The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to driving India forward in “mission mode,” emphasizing the importance of innovation, inclusion, and investment in shaping the country’s future. He expressed confidence that the Budget session would inject fresh energy into India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Modi also highlighted the role of parliamentarians, particularly young MPs, in contributing to this vision.
With the session underway, President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of both Houses, setting the stage for the crucial discussions ahead. Following her speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey, which outlines India’s economic performance and forecasts. The session is expected to be packed with significant legislative activity, as the government has listed 16 Bills for consideration. Among them are key amendments related to banking, railways, disaster management, and immigration, alongside the all-important financial agenda that will shape India’s economic trajectory.
Meanwhile, the political climate outside Parliament remained tense. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal found himself at the center of a controversy after the Election Commission (EC) sought evidence to support his claim that the Haryana government was “poisoning” the Yamuna River. Responding to the notice, Kejriwal stood firm on his allegations, expressing disappointment that the EC had taken no action against the Haryana chief minister while targeting him instead. He argued that the issue at hand was not political but a matter of public health, warning that water resources should not be weaponized in electoral battles.
The EC had earlier found Kejriwal’s initial response inadequate, stating that his claims lacked factual backing. While Kejriwal defended his remarks by citing high ammonia levels in the Yamuna, the Commission insisted that his allegations needed a stronger legal and evidentiary foundation. The ongoing dispute has sparked a broader conversation about governance, accountability, and the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic values.
As the Budget session unfolds, all eyes will be on the government’s policy announcements and the opposition’s counterarguments. With crucial decisions on economic reforms, social welfare, and infrastructure on the agenda, the session is expected to shape India’s political and economic landscape in the months ahead.
