Opposition parties meet to strategize before Budget Session resumes today
What's the story
Ahead of the second leg of the Parliament's Budget Session, as many as 16 opposition parties reportedly met at Congress chief and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office at around 10:00 am on Monday to chalk out their floor strategy.
However, reports earlier said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders were unlikely to attend the joint opposition meeting.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Budget Session's second part is focused on the demand for grants of select ministries and the passage of the Union Budget.
It will continue until April 6, while the first part commenced on January 31 and concluded on February 13.
A month-long break was allowed for the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees to assess the demand for grants and make reports to corresponding ministries.
Issues
Opposition to raise issues concerning Adani Group, alleged political witch-hunts
The current contentious issues for the opposition to confront the government include price rise, alleged misuse of central probe agencies for political witch-hunts, and governors allegedly meddling in state affairs.
Another burning issue in which the government has found itself cornered is the exposure of the State Bank of India (SBI) and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to the tanking Adani Group, endangering public money.
Details
Budget Session's first part marred by disruptions
The first part was disrupted several times after the opposition sought adjournment of proceedings in both Houses to discuss the Adani Group shares' diminishing value following stock manipulation and fraud allegations.
Reportedly, the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) probe on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad's family, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi's (BRS) K Kavitha is also likely to be raised.
Bills
Government to bring legislation for passage of budget
During the session, the government is expected to introduce legislation for budget passage. In this regard, 26 bills are pending in the Rajya Sabha and nine in the Lok Sabha for the passage of the Union Budget.
In the first part of the Budget Session, the Lok Sabha used 84% of its allotted time, while the Rajya Sabha used only 56% due to disruptions.