NEW DELHI: The budget session of Parliament, marking the final session before the anticipated general elections scheduled for April-May, will begin on Monday with a momentous address by President Droupadi Murmu, resonating within the halls of the newly erected Parliament building, as she speaks to a joint assembly of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
FM To Unveil Interim Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to unveil the interim budget on February 1, setting the tone for fiscal discourse amidst the political landscape.
Conciliatory Gestures
In a bid to foster a spirit of cooperation, the government has initiated an all-party meeting, extending an olive branch to the opposition. Expressing a conciliatory stance, efforts have been made by the Centre to address the suspension of MPs incurred during the winter session, signalling a potential thaw in parliamentary dynamics.
Revoking Suspensions
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday assured reporters of the impending revocation of suspensions, facilitating the return of sidelined MPs to the legislative forefront. With unanimity prevailing, the government has tried to create a conducive atmosphere for constructive dialogue. “All (suspensions) will be revoked. I have spoken with the (Lok Sabha) Speaker and (Rajya Sabha) Chairman, I have also requested them on behalf of the government…This is the jurisdiction of the Speaker and the Chairman. So, we have requested both of them to speak with the concerned privileged committees, revoke the suspension and allow them to come to the House. Both of them agreed,” Joshi said.
Opposition’s Agenda
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has outlined the party’s agenda, highlighting concerns over inflation, unemployment, and alleged misuse of investigative agencies. With a robust stance, the opposition vows to champion pressing issues affecting the populace. “Inflation and unemployment are two important issues which we will raise in the upcoming session. Investigative agencies are being misused. The latest example of the way ED is working is that of Jharkhand’s CM Hemant Soren. Apart from this, atrocities continue in Manipur. I specifically want to say that the debt burden on the country is increasing,” he said.
Allegations and Accusations
Congress MP K Suresh and TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay have accused the ruling BJP government of wielding central agencies as political weapons, fostering an environment of mistrust and discord.
Path Ahead
Amidst fervent deliberations, the budget session is slated to culminate on February 9, encapsulating a spectrum of discourse and debate. Notably, the revocation of suspensions underscores a pivotal moment of reconciliation, as parliamentary proceedings unfold amidst a backdrop of political fervour and anticipation.
