New Delhi, March 9: Parliament's Budget Session resumes Monday, setting the stage for a heated battle between the government and the Opposition. Key flashpoints include electoral roll manipulation allegations, fresh violence in Manipur, and India's response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
The government aims to secure approval for demands for grants, complete the budgetary process, and pass the Waqf Amendment Bill. Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move a resolution for extending President’s Rule in Manipur, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the state's budget.
The Opposition, led by the Trinamool Congress, plans to corner the government over duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers. The Election Commission has denied manipulation claims but pledged corrective action within three months. Opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, and Shiv Sena-UBT, will raise the issue in Parliament.
The Waqf Amendment Bill remains a priority for the government, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasizing its importance. However, opposition parties, including the Congress-led INDIA bloc, are gearing up to resist it. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has also vowed to challenge election irregularities and Trump’s tariff threats.
With delimitation controversies and US trade policies also on the agenda, the second leg of the Budget Session, running from March 10 to April 4, is set for high political drama.
