Parliament Budget Session 2026 Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi Leads Opposition in Motion of Thanks Debate
The Parliament Budget Session 2026 is in full swing, with both Houses engaging in intense discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took center stage, delivering a speech that captured the attention of lawmakers and the nation alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House, setting the stage for a robust parliamentary exchange.
Motion of Thanks: Key Participants and Schedule
The Lok Sabha has allocated a substantial 18 hours for the debate on the Motion of Thanks. Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress MPs Tariq Anwar, Amarinder Raja Warring, Anto Antony, and Jothimani, actively participated in the discussions. In a procedural move, Union Minister and BJP MP Sarbananda Sonowal proposed the motion, with party MP Tejasvi Surya seconding it. Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP C Sadanandan Master moved the motion, supported by fellow party MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni. The debate is set to culminate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply scheduled for February 4, adding to the anticipation surrounding this parliamentary event.
Congress MP Hibi Eden Raises Concerns Over Voter List Revision in Kerala
In a significant development, Congress MP Hibi Eden moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. Eden alleged that this process could violate the fundamental rights of Kerala's citizens and jeopardize the integrity of upcoming elections. He emphasized the need for transparency, warning that a hasty revision might undermine the democratic mandate. "The ECI and Central Government's decision to conduct SIR in Kerala is surely directed towards violating the fundamental rights of the people of Kerala and is an attempt to disturb the process of free and fair elections," Eden stated, urging the House to address this critical issue.
Government Initiatives on Dust Control: Environment Minister's Statement
During Question Hour, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav outlined the government's efforts to combat dust pollution in urban areas. He revealed that city-specific plans are being implemented, focusing on mechanized sweeping and the planting of bushes to curb dust spread. Yadav highlighted that greening initiatives are tailored to each city's requirements, with states encouraged to adopt mechanized sweeping techniques. "In NCR too, corporations were encouraged for mechanized sweeping to control dust," he noted, underscoring the nationwide push for cleaner air.
Opposition Protests and Criticisms of Union Budget 2026
The session also saw vocal opposition protests, particularly from Kerala MPs who labeled the Union Budget 2026 as 'anti-Kerala'. Simultaneously, turmoil erupted in the Kerala Legislative Assembly after the Speaker rejected an adjournment notice on alleged violations of the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services Act. Congress leaders, including MLA and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, boycotted the session in response. Adding to the criticism, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav quipped that the budget is "largely designed for invisible friends" of the BJP, linking it to a decline in the Sensex.
Congress MP Manish Tewari's Scathing Remarks
Congress MP Manish Tewari launched a broadside against the Union Budget, asserting that it lacks substantive content. "There is nothing in the budget. The nominal GDP has been in a secular decline for the past 12 years," he remarked. Tewari also weighed in on sports diplomacy, criticizing the idea of playing cricket with Pakistan amidst ongoing terrorism concerns. "I think we should have never ever agreed to play Pakistan... terror and cricket cannot go together," he argued, questioning the coherence of such policies.
As the Parliament Budget Session 2026 progresses, these debates and protests highlight the dynamic and often contentious nature of Indian democracy, with key issues from electoral integrity to environmental policies taking center stage.
