The second phase of the ongoing budget session of Parliament is set to witness intense debates as the Opposition prepares to raise several contentious issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, delimitation, the three-language policy, and the recent US trade tariffs. The session, expected to run until April 4, will see key legislative discussions and the passage of crucial financial bills.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the budget for Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since last month. The move is expected to trigger debates, particularly from the Opposition, which has been vocal about the law-and-order situation in the northeastern state. Ahead of the session, Congress is set to strategize its approach, coordinating with its INDIA bloc allies to challenge the government on multiple fronts.
Among the critical issues likely to be discussed is the ongoing internal security crisis in Manipur and Jammu. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the escalating violence and the government’s role in maintaining security. The Opposition is expected to push for accountability, calling attention to the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Delimitation is another major point of contention, with Congress MP K Suresh emphasizing its impact on southern states like Tamil Nadu. He criticized the government for initiating the delimitation process without consulting key stakeholders, warning that it could disrupt India’s federal structure and lead to political imbalances. Similarly, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has raised a Suspension of Business Notice in the Rajya Sabha, urging a comprehensive discussion on how the exercise might affect the representation of southern states.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which has already received cabinet approval, is also expected to face strong opposition in Parliament. The Opposition parties, particularly Congress, have voiced concerns over its implications and have vowed to resist its passage. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has reiterated the government’s commitment to pushing the bill through at the earliest.
The Opposition is also set to challenge the government over US President Donald Trump’s recent trade policies, particularly the imposition of new tariffs and the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants under harsh conditions. These developments have sparked diplomatic tensions, and the Opposition is likely to seek a government response on its strategy to safeguard India’s economic and human rights interests.
With these key issues on the agenda, the coming days in Parliament are expected to be politically charged, as both the government and the Opposition gear up for heated discussions and legislative battles.
