The Budget Session of Parliament began today in New Delhi, with members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha gathering for an important phase of lawmaking and financial discussions. The session opened with the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, which outlined the government’s priorities and policy direction for the coming months.
The Budget Session will focus on major financial and legislative matters, including the Union Budget for 2026–27, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present on February 1, 2026. The session will be held in two parts. The first phase will run from January 28 to February 13, while the second phase will take place from March 9 to April 2.
Opposition Plans and Key Issues
As Parliament convened, opposition parties made it clear that the session is expected to be tense. They plan to raise several issues that they believe have not received enough discussion or clarity from the government.
One of the main issues the opposition is focusing on is the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, widely known as MGNREGA. The government has introduced a new law in its place, aimed at restructuring rural employment programs. Opposition leaders have questioned the need for this change and have demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament. They argue that MGNREGA has been a critical support system for rural workers and that any changes to it must be debated openly.
Another major issue expected to be raised is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have expressed concerns about the way the SIR process is being carried out. They have alleged that there are procedural problems and possible exclusions in voter lists. They are calling for a thorough debate in Parliament to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Ahead of the session, leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior opposition figures, held meetings to plan their floor strategy. They agreed to strongly raise both the MGNREGA changes and SIR issues during the session.
Government’s Stand
The government has responded by saying that these issues have already been addressed in earlier discussions and that Parliament should now focus on the Budget and legislative business. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that laws passed by Parliament cannot be reversed without proper procedure and that repeated disruptions would affect important discussions.
The government has responded by saying that these issues have already been addressed in earlier discussions and that Parliament should now focus on the Budget and legislative business. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that laws passed by Parliament cannot be reversed without proper procedure and that repeated disruptions would affect important discussions.
Government leaders have also said that broader concerns related to employment, elections, and governance can be raised during debates on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address or during regular Budget discussions.
An all party meeting held before the start of the session saw the government urge all parties to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament and allow key financial business to proceed.
What to Expect From the Budget Session
Apart from debates on opposition demands, the Budget Session is expected to cover several important topics, including:
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Presentation and discussion of the Union Budget 2026–27
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Government plans for economic growth and fiscal management
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Issues related to employment, rural development, and welfare schemes
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Discussions on foreign policy and national priorities
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Review of government performance and future legislative plans
Some opposition leaders have also indicated that they may raise concerns related to environmental policies, relations between the Centre and states, and the impact of recent reforms on different sections of society.
Why This Session Matters
The Budget Session is one of the most important sessions of Parliament each year. It sets the financial roadmap for the country and provides a platform for debate on major policy decisions. While the government aims to push its economic agenda forward, the opposition sees this session as a chance to hold the government accountable on issues it believes affect ordinary citizens.
With strong positions taken by both sides, the session is expected to see intense debates, political confrontations, and close public attention in the days ahead.