NEW DELHI: In his inaugural address for the Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the upcoming Union Budget will chart the course for the next five years. Speaking ahead of Parliament’s Budget Session, Modi stated that the Budget will lay the groundwork for India's future, referring to it as a crucial step in the "Amrit Kaal" era.

“This Budget is pivotal for shaping our next five years and will support our vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” Modi said. He urged lawmakers to focus on constructive discussions during the session, and criticized opposition tactics aimed at disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Modi called on MPs to move beyond party lines and work together for the country’s progress.

The Prime Minister also dismissed negative politics and called for a unified approach to empower farmers, youth, and the nation. He urged all parties to collaborate for the next 4.5 years, emphasizing that political games should be reserved for the 2029 election year.

The Budget Session, running through August 12, will feature 19 sittings. Key items on the agenda include six bills, such as a replacement for the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and approval of the Jammu and Kashmir budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey and the Budget.

Opposition's Stance: Key Issues and Demands

On the eve of the session, opposition parties outlined their demands at an all-party meeting. They pressed the government to address several contentious issues, including the Uttar Pradesh government's order related to eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route and recent exam paper leaks, including NEET.

The government, breaking from recent practice, invited several smaller parties to signal political outreach and willingness to discuss various issues, provided they adhere to parliamentary rules. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need for cooperation and respect for parliamentary procedures.

The opposition united on several fronts, including demands for special category status for Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, and called for the Lok Sabha deputy speaker's position to be allocated to the opposition as per convention. The Congress and its allies raised issues such as terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, unemployment, and price hikes.

Concerns were also raised about alleged irregularities in UPSC exams and the Uttar Pradesh government's decision targeting Muslim vendors during the Kanwar Yatra. AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the misuse of central probe agencies and accused the Modi government of political targeting.

The session promises to be dynamic, with various parties highlighting their concerns and demands. The TMC was absent from the meeting due to its annual rally in Kolkata.

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