Budget 2.0 resumes: Speaker's removal motion, Iran war in focus
What's the story
The second half of the Budget Session will resume on Monday. The session is likely to be stormy, as the Lok Sabha will take up an opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. The motion has been signed by 118 Opposition MPs who accuse Birla of acting in a "blatantly partisan" manner during House proceedings. After receiving the notice, Birla recused himself from presiding over the House and is expected to return only after a decision is reached.
PM's backing
NDA has comfortable majority
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has a comfortable majority, making it unlikely for the motion to succeed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly supported Birla, saying he has adhered to constitutional and parliamentary democratic values. Once the session resumes, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief Parliament on the escalating US-Israel-Iran war, which started on February 28.
Crisis briefing
Opposition to question government on foreign policy
The conflict has sent oil prices soaring and opposition parties are likely to question the government's stance on India's foreign policy and its impact on domestic issues such as rising oil prices. The war has also involved groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, further complicating regional tensions. The government is also keeping a close watch on Indian citizens' safety in the Gulf region as the Middle East crisis enters its 10th day.
Domestic issues
Protocol violations during Murmu's visit to Bengal may be raised
Apart from foreign policy, domestic political issues are also likely to come up. Opposition parties plan to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may counter with allegations related to protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to the state. Senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi met in New Delhi to finalize their strategy for this session on Sunday.
Congress agenda
Congress to raise issues of energy security and unemployment
After the meeting, the Congress party decided that it would also like to discuss the interim Indo-US deal and its implications on Indian farmers, Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain said. "The party would also discuss the fiscal crisis and fiscal centralization by the Centre." The second half of the Budget session will also focus on scrutinizing Demands for Grants for ministries for 2026-27 and passing the Finance Bill 2026. This bill contains tax proposals announced in this year's Union Budget.