Parliament Budget Session 2025: Key Issues and Ongoing Protests

The fourth day of the 2025 Parliament Budget Session focuses on questions in the Lok Sabha and discussions in the Rajya Sabha. Protests by opposition MPs highlight the mismanagement of the Mahakumbh Mela and various unaddressed social issues. Prime Minister Modi is expected to address parliament later today, amidst ongoing critiques of the government’s performance and accountability.

The 2025 Parliament Budget Session commenced on its fourth day at 11 am, featuring the question hour in the Lok Sabha and zero hour in the Rajya Sabha, with a primary agenda of discussing the motion of thanks for the President’s address. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to speak at 5 pm today.

On Day 3, the opposition MPs protested against what they labeled the mismanagement of the Mahakumbh Mela, which they claim resulted in a stampede that led to multiple casualties on January 29. Opposition leaders claimed that the death toll reported was vastly understated.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed doubts about the accuracy of reported casualties, stating, “I sincerely extend my condolences to the thousands believed dead, although only 30 have been officially acknowledged.” BJP MPs from the tribal sectors condemned comments from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as derogatory toward President Droupadi Murmu.

Minister Kiren Rijiju rebuffed Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the Election Commission’s integrity, labeling them as unfounded claims. Opposition members also criticized the 2025 Budget for neglecting the impact of inflation on the population.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury accused the government of obstructing communication and breaching the Right to Information Act. She highlighted unfulfilled commitments made during Andhra Pradesh’s reorganization, particularly regarding stalled projects in Khammam and a proposed central university.

Charanjeet Singh Channi emphasized that government actions endangered national unity, criticizing the RSS and BJP’s influence on democracy. He warned of long-lasting societal division caused by governmental actions which go against the founding principles articulated by Babasaheb Ambedkar.

In his remarks, TMC MP Saugata Roy criticized the President’s address for lacking mention of pressing issues such as unemployment and pollution. He challenged the accomplishments of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative over the past decade.

The Rajya Sabha resumed discussions on the President’s speech following the question hour, with BJP MP Banshilal Gurjar continuing his speech. The opposition members voiced their disdain during these discussions, objecting to the President’s silence on the tribal deaths in Manipur and the Mahakumbh tragedy.

SP leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the government for its perceived inadequacies in handling the Mahakumbh stampede and suggested that the administration is hiding the true extent of casualties.

Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed queries regarding the PM Internship Scheme, citing an evolving situation and a positive progression since its inception in July 2024, despite criticism regarding its effectiveness.

Regarding the agricultural sector, Shivraj Singh Chouhan touted the government’s support for farmers and its contributions to agricultural advances, despite opposition allegations pertaining to a ₹5,000 crore scam in Maharashtra.

In a related matter, BJD MP Debashish Samantaray urged the acknowledgment of Bali Yatra as a national festival. Simultaneously, BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari raised concerns over highway safety, citing a tragic recent accident.

The session closed with multiple adjournment motions aimed to investigate the Mahakumbh stampede, reflecting ongoing turbulence regarding memorialized events of public safety and government accountability, evidencing unrest within parliamentary discourse as various parties seek resolution and transparency.

The Parliament Budget Session is a critical period during which government priorities, financial allocations, and responses to pressing national issues are debated and outlined. This session gives legislators an opportunity to address public grievances and hold the government accountable for its promises and policies, especially in light of recent events like the Mahakumbh stampede, which has stirred public outcry and demands for transparency.

The ongoing Parliament Budget Session is marked by significant discourse and protest, primarily focusing on governmental accountability in light of the Mahakumbh stampede and handling of various social issues. Opposition parties are actively challenging the governing body’s decisions and statements, pushing for systematic reforms and highlighting unfulfilled promises. As discussions unfold, the political landscape continues to reflect societal tensions and calls for unity in the country’s governance.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com