Parliament Budget Session 2026: PM Modi to Address Lok Sabha Amid Opposition Suspensions
The Budget Session of Parliament 2026 enters a crucial phase on Wednesday, with both Houses continuing discussions on the motion of thanks to the President's address. The Lok Sabha debate, which has been allotted 18 hours, will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering his response later today, marking a significant moment in the parliamentary proceedings.
Motion of Thanks Debate Progresses in Both Houses
In the Lok Sabha, the motion was formally moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya, setting the stage for extensive deliberations. Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sadanand Master has moved the corresponding motion. These discussions follow President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament on January 28, which inaugurated the Budget Session.
According to the day's official List of Business, MPs Jair Parkash and Balashowry Vallabhaneni are scheduled to table several Public Accounts Committee reports for 2025-26, adding to the substantive legislative agenda.
Political Tensions and Opposition Suspensions
The parliamentary proceedings unfold against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha witnessed heated exchanges between opposition members and Treasury benches, triggered by remarks from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referencing an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane.
This confrontation resulted in the suspension of eight opposition MPs for the remainder of the Budget Session for violating House rules. The suspended members include:
- Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and Dean Kuriakose
- CPI(M) MP S Venkatesan
In response to these developments, Congress Lok Sabha MPs are convening a meeting at the Congress Parliamentary Party office to finalize their strategy for the ongoing session.
Calls for Debate on India-US Trade Deal
Beyond the motion of thanks, several opposition MPs have raised demands for discussions on the recent India-US trade agreement. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has submitted a Suspension of Business notice in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267, seeking a debate on the trade deal while expressing concerns about parliamentary protocol.
Similarly, Congress MP Manish Tewari has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, calling for detailed deliberations on what he describes as the economic, energy, and foreign policy implications of the agreement. Tewari's motion specifically references:
- Reported statements by the US President regarding India's oil import policies
- Provisions related to reducing Indian tariffs and non-tariff barriers
- Commitments to procure over USD 500 billion worth of American goods
These demands highlight the multifaceted nature of the parliamentary agenda, combining constitutional formalities with pressing policy debates.
As the Budget Session progresses, all eyes remain on Prime Minister Modi's address in the Lok Sabha and how the government navigates both legislative business and political challenges in the coming days.
