The stage is set for a stormy Budget Session of Parliament to kick off today, July 22nd. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing demands from key allies for special status, while the Opposition is gearing up to protest over various issues, including the recent Kanwar Yatra eatery name plate controversy in Uttar Pradesh.
The three-week-long session will witness Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting a historic seventh consecutive budget (2024-25) against the backdrop of the changed political landscape in the country.
In the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP fell short of the majority mark, the party had to rely on its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies like N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) to form the government.
Sitharaman will also present the Economic Survey during the session today.
Opposition’s Key Demands
During the all-party meeting held on July 21st, the Congress pushed for discussions on issues such as the NEET-UG ‘scam,’ the Uttar Pradesh government’s directives to eateries during Kanwar Yatra, and the internal security situation in Jammu-Kashmir and Manipur.
Congress representative, Jairam Ramesh, highlighted that various issues were presented during the all-party meeting and emphasized the significance of discussing governance matters pertaining to NEET/NET scams, UPSC controversies, and railway safety.
Furthermore, the Congress stressed the importance of deliberating upon issues related to Centre-state relations and the economy during the Parliament session.
A united Opposition under the INDIA bloc is expected to hold the government accountable for these concerns during the Budget Session.
Special Status Demands
The BJP ally, JD(U), and the YSRCP have called for Special Category Status (SCS) for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively. The BJD also reminded the BJP of its promise regarding the Special Category Status for Odisha.
Ramesh highlighted the changing political climate and how the BJD emphasized the BJP’s commitment to grant special category status to Odisha during the all-party meeting.
Parliamentary Agenda
Congress leader K Suresh stated that the INDIA bloc, along with other members, is advocating for the Lok Sabha deputy speaker’s position for the opposition in accordance with convention.
This session of Parliament will host 19 sittings and continue until August 12th. The government is set to introduce six bills, including one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act. Additionally, Parliament will review and approve the budget for Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Central rule since 2018.
