The second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday, and tensions are already brewing between the government and the opposition. A major point of contention is the issue of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, with the opposition, led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), preparing to challenge the government on alleged electoral irregularities. The Election Commission has acknowledged concerns and assured corrective measures within three months, but it has firmly denied claims of voter list manipulation, emphasizing that while some EPIC numbers may be identical, other voter details remain distinct.
The opposition is also expected to raise issues beyond the EPIC controversy, including the recent surge in violence in Manipur following the relaxation of movement restrictions and India’s diplomatic handling of the Trump administration. TMC has rallied support from the Congress, DMK, and Shiv Sena (UBT) to bring these matters to the forefront in both Houses of Parliament. With the political atmosphere already charged, the session is likely to witness heated debates and strategic maneuvering from all sides.
Meanwhile, the government is focused on securing approval for key legislative measures, including the Manipur budget and the Waqf Amendment Bill. The passage of this bill is a priority for the ruling party, and its early approval is being pursued vigorously. Additionally, with Manipur under President’s Rule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to move a statutory resolution for its endorsement, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the state’s budget.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the government and opposition clash over governance, electoral integrity, and legislative priorities. With both sides standing firm, the session is expected to be a battleground of political debate, shaping the discourse around key national issues.
