The Budget Session of Parliament will begin on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of both Houses and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabling the Economic Survey 2025 in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha separately.
The proceedings are expected to be stormy, with opposition parties likely to demand discussions on key issues, from the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill to the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where a stampede claimed 30 lives.
Following President Murmu’s address at 11 a.m., Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to table the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha at 12 p.m. and later in the Rajya Sabha. She will present the Union Budget on February 1, marking her eighth consecutive budget presentation.
On the eve of the Budget Session, an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saw opposition leaders cornering the government on multiple fronts, from politicisation of parliamentary committees to discrimination in allocating resources to non-BJP ruled states.
Opposition parties accused the government of mismanagement at Maha Kumbh, demanding a detailed discussion of the deadly crowd crush that left 30 dead and more injured. Allegations flew that VIP arrangements were prioritised over the safety of ordinary pilgrims.
Opposition leaders objected to the government's decision to issue a provisional debate calendar, claiming that it violates Parliamentary conventions. They argued that such decisions should be made by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC).
Some MPs also raised concerns over Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar not allowing opposition lawmakers to speak. This comes after an impeachment motion against him was rejected during the Winter Session of Parliament.
The Budget Session will be held in two phases. The first phase of the session will conclude on February 13, with the second phase commencing on March 10 and running until April 4.
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget, marking her eighth consecutive budget presentation.
The government has listed 16 bills for consideration, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.
The government has listed 16 bills for consideration, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.
In response to the opposition’s demands, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "We have taken note of their concerns. The Business Advisory Committee will decide which issues will be taken up for discussion. We hope for a smooth and productive Budget Session. Cooperation from all parties is essential for a meaningful and constructive parliamentary session."
