Parliament Budget Session LIVE: Notice Seeking Removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar Submitted in Parliament

As Opposition MPs protested in the Lower House, the Supplementary Demands for Grants was passed by voice vote. Following this, the Appropriation Bill, 2026, was introduced in the House.

The Bill seeks to authorize the appropriation of further funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of FY 2025-26. The Bill was also passed by voice vote.

After proceedings resumed in Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the House, speaking on the Supplementary Demands for Grants.

She said that the Economic Stabilisation Fund had an allocated ₹57,381.84 crore. The fund, she said, “will give fiscal headroom to allow India to respond to global headwinds,” referencing the recent LPG crisis. As the members protested, Sitharaman criticised the Opposition, saying “They want to have their own agenda.” Despite the government addressing the ongoing crisis, she said, they are not willing to hear the reply.

Continuing her speech, Sitharaman said that ₹95,000 crores had been allocated for VB-G RAM G from April 2026 onwards. She added that the Supplementary Demands comprise 61 grant requests with a gross expenditure of ₹2.81 lakh crore, which falls within Budget Estimates.

193 MPs from across both Houses submitted a notice in Parliament, seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from office.

The notice was submitted under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, which allows the CEC to be stripped of their position in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge. This is the first time such a notice has been submitted.

Soon after proceedings commenced on 13 March 2026, the Lok Sabha was adjourned as Opposition members raised slogans demanding a discussion on the LPG crisis. Yesterday, LoP Rahul Gandhi's address on the issue was cut short by Speaker Om Birla due to a mention of the Epstein Files. When the House reconvened at 12 noon, sloganeering continued and were adjourned again till 2pm.

Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a motion seeking suspension of the day's business to discuss the LPG crisis. “India is facing serious disruptions in LPG supply due to increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 85-90% of India’s LPG imports pass through this route,” the notice read, arguing that the major disruptions posed to India's energy security constitutes an urgent matter of public importance.

130 Lok Sabha members and 63 Rajya Sabha members signed a notice seeking the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to sources, the notice is likely to be tabled in one of the Houses today.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri stands to address Lok Sabha on the LPG crisis amidst protests by Opposition members.

Puri stressed India's resilient position amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict in comparison to neighbouring countries which have had to take more drastic measures to weather the fuel shortage.

“Before the crisis, approximately 45% of India’s crude imports transited through the Hormuz route. Thanks to the honourable Prime Minister’s outstanding diplomatic outreach and goodwill, India has secured good volume that exceeds what the disrupted Strait of Hormuz could’ve delivered in the same period. Non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70% of crude imports. India sources crude from 40 countries as against 27 in 2006 and 2007,” he said.

Puri assured that petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil will remain available and that their supply chains remain unaffected. He says this is due successive policy measures over the years through which India has diversified its fuel sourcing to include 40 countries.

He also emphasised that India has increased its LPG production by 28% in the last five days and that commercial cylinder supply will resume from today (12 March 2026).

LoP Rahul Gandhi rose in Lok Sabha to speak on the ongoing LPG crisis. He began by stating that energy security is the foundation of every nation. Allowing another country to decide who India can buy oil from has battered India's relationship with oil suppliers globally, he said.

“This is a puzzle and I have figured the puzzle out. And the puzzle is about compromise,” he says. He said that Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri has accepted having a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Gandhi also claims that Puri has accepted donations from George Soros.

At this point Speaker Om Birla strongly objected to Gandhi's remarks, urging him to stick to the topic. He says that if Gandhi wished to speak on this topic (Epstein), he should have submitted a notice and he would have made a decision on whether or not to allow it. Members of the Treasury Bench also protested.

Opposition members also protested to Gandhi being disallowed from speaking.

Shortly after Speaker Om Birla's speech, Congress MP KC Venugopal addressed the Chair, saying that LoP Rahul Gandhi had moved an adjournment motion to discuss the LPG crisis. Birla said that the Lok Sabha would hold a discussion on the issue when all relevant Ministers will be present.

Opposition members protested, demanding an immediate debate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rose to assure the House that a discussion would be held. He said that both the government and the Speaker agreed it is an urgent issue, and stressed that a statement would be issued soon. Birla then adjourned the House til 2pm.

After Lok Sabha reconvened, Speaker Om Birla began his address on the no-confidence motion brought against him by denying the Opposition's charges.

He clarified that the Speaker has no control of members' microphones and that their mics are turned on or off depending on if it is their turn to speak. He said that as per House rules, permission must be given by the Speaker before a member can address the House.

Birla said that the only time Opposition members were suspended was when they violated these rules. He emphasised that any material being referenced in the House needs approval from the Speaker before being tabled. “I try not to suspend any members,” he added, stressing that it his duty to maintain decorum in the House.

In reference to the instance when he warned PM Modi not to attend Lok Sabha due to 'a threat posed by women MPs from the Opposition', he clarified he made the decision to “protect the Parliament’s dignity.”

Birla also thanked members for bringing up their issues with the conduct of his duties, saying that he would review their comments and make sure to uphold the Constitutional responsibilities of his post. He also urged all members to maintain the 'dignity' of the House.

Shortly after proceedings for the day began, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge brought up for discussion the recent attack on JKNC President Farooq Abdullah. Kharge argued that since statehood has been stripped from Jammu & Kashmir, it is the Home Ministry which is responsible for the inadeqaute cover given to Abdullah. Further criticising the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, he asked if it was the government's intention to kill Abdullah.

LoH JP Nadda replied to Kharge, by saying that the incident was unfortunate and that the perpetrator had been apprehended. He then criticised Kharge and the Congress for politicising the issue, stressing that the incident had nothing to do with J&K's statehood status.

Soon after, as the House moved onto Zero Hour, JKNC MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan questioned the lack of police cover for Abdullah. He asked where the police had gone during the attack, stressing that it was Abdullah's personal security which had to intervene. He conluded by demanding greater security cover for Abdullah.

As Lok Sabh proceedings began on 12 March 2026, Speaker Om Birla took up the Chair after the resolution demanding his removal from office was rejected by voice vote. His entrance was met with applause from the Treasury Benches.

He began by saying that he will address the no-confidence motion moved against him later in the day. Meanwhile, the Opposition protested, demanding a discussion on the LPG crisis. The House was promptly adjourned till 12 noon.

Concluding his speech, Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at the Congress and LoP Rahul Gandhi. He criticised Gandhi for not showing up in Lok Sabha then complaining of not being allowed to speak. This, he said, was an act of misinformation.

Shah also attacked the Congress, saying that as Opposition MPs attacked the BJP, they were attacking the nation. In response, Opposition members swelled into the well of the House, demanding an apology from Shah. Chair Jagdambika Pal called on members to take their seats and on Congress MP Mohammad Jawed to conclude the debate.

As members continued to sloganeer, Pal hurriedly put the resolution to voice vote, where it was dismissed. The House was then adjourned.

Home Minister Amit Shah began his address on the motion for Removal of the Speaker by calling the resolution 'unfortunate'.

“Generally, a no-confidence motion does not come forward. Usually, they speak to the Speaker in the chamber, or the Speaker calls a special meeting of both sides, and the issues usually get resolved,” he said. “But now, there is an atmosphere of worry about the safety of the Speaker. There is nothing worse than that.”

Shah equated questioning the Speaker with questioning the constitutional position of mediator and the integrity of the Parliament. He adds that the BJP has never brought a no-confidence motion against a Speaker.

Shah then hit out at the Opposition, saying that they don't follow the rules of the House, but complain of their mics being cut off - as should be the case, he adds. He continued, saying that House rules apply to all and can't be selectively applied.

He labelled the Opposition's claims of being suppressed in the House as 'false propaganda', adding that the only time Opposition voices were curtailed was during the Emergency. He also hit out at LoP Rahul Gandhi for his below avergage attendance in the Lok Sabha, saying that it is not that he is not allowed to speak in the House, but that he does not want to.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur began his address by praising Om Birla. “Whether it be Congress or SP, Mr. Birla allowed everybody to speak,” he said. “Even those who got fewer opportunities by their party were given a chance to speak by Om Birla. Everybody is praising him.”

Thakur then went on to target LoP Rahul Gandhi. “Some people enter this House with minus triple C. No civic sense, no common sense, and no constitutional sense,” he said. “When we became Members of the Lok Sabha, we were told how to behave inside the House. But one person breaks all these rules, and that is the leader of propaganda. This is FOMO Gandhi. He is afraid of not being the headline.”

He concludes by saying that Birla will remain the Speaker of the House and those not happy with this can leave.

Congress MP KC Venugopal spoke on the motion for Removal of the Speaker, countering Ravi Shankar Prasad's comments on the responsibilities of the LoP. He asserted that LoP Rahul Gandhi was fulfilling his duties in his speech, when he was disallowed to continue by the Speaker.

Venugopal said that Gandhi was was questioning PM Modi's 'surrender' to to the US in context of the trade deal and embargo on purchase of Russian oil. Is it not a debatable point, he asked, that an Indian Minister was mentioned in the Epstein files? He said that this is more telling of the PM's conduct, who did not even attend Parliament to reply.

Venugopal also asked how Modi could alter plans for the Balokot strike, in contradiction of expert opinions, but when asked by an army officer for instructions on a sensitive issue, he could only tell the officer to do as he saw fit?

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju replied to Venugopal, saying that Congress MPs threatened the Speaker by flooding his chamber and releasing an illegal video. Venugopal countered, saying that the ruling party had used “the Speaker’s position as a tool.”

The Lok Sabha reconvened at 11am on 11 March 2026, beginning with Question Hour. Soon after, the House continued discussion on the motion for removal of the Speaker. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha also continues its discussion on the working of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Beginning the discussion in the Lower House, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad lauded the post of the Speaker as a hallmark of democracy. He criticised the Opposition for weaponsing a resolution against it and went on to point out instances when the Congress 'undermined' democracy.

He went on to defend the appointment of the Chair to oversee proceedings during discussion on the resolution. He went onto to outline the responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition and parliamentary procedure. This was met with protests from the Opposition.

LoP Rahul Gandhi replied to Prasad, saying that multiple discussions raised by the Opposition had been stopped from proceeding. He highlighted a recent incident when he raised a question about PM Modi being compromised, in reference to the US-India trade deal. Prasad responded, saying that the PM can never be compromised.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, speaking against the motion, says that the Opposition has taken offence to remarks against LoP Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi. He added that, “If PM Modi doesn’t have a child in this Parliament, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have anyone to defend him here.”

Dubey then praised Om Birla, saying it was matter of pride for the BJP that the Speaker was from their party. “Why wouldn’t a Speaker end up being partisan?” he asks. He says that the entire NDA will stand to defend Birla.

He reiterated criticisms against Gandhi for commenting on Indian governance abroad. “On whose money is Rahul Gandhi travelling to several countries?” he asked.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra spoke next, reiterating that the post of Deputy Speaker remained vacant in contravention of House rules and that no consensus had been taken before appointing someone to the Chair.

She then criticised Birla's performance as a speaker, pointing out that he had carried out the largest ever mass suspension of MPs because they were demanding a response from the government a breach in Parliament security. “This one episode alone accounted for over 40% of all Lok Sabha suspensions since 2004,” she said.

Moitra continued, saying that Birla frequently weaponised acces to microphones against the Opposition - cutting short their speeches, while allowing ruling MPs to speak endlessly. She added that Birla had overseen the passage of three criminal bills without any discussion, an act which hindered democracy. This was met with protests by MPs from the Treasury Benches.

TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was presiding over the House, warned Moitra against remarks disparaging the chair. She replied, saying, “We are moving a no-confidence motion against the Chair, obviously the comments will be against the Chair.”

Kiren Rijiju continues his address by defending Om Birla for his “impartial behaviour”. He says that during the 18th session of Lok Sabha, 1,835 issues were raised during the Zero Hour, of which 56% were put forth by the Opposition. He says that the Opposition speaks but never listens to the other side.

Rijiju then launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi, questioning his behaviour in in the House and outside. He pointed to when Gandhi came over to the Treasury Bench to hug PM Modi, how he said that Indian democracy was in danger while on a trip to Germany, and when he met with the Chinese Ambassador during heightened tensions between the two countries.

These remarks were met with protests from the Opposition.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Gaurav Gogoi, saying that all members of the House need permission from the Chair to speak, adding that the microphone does not automatically switch on for him because he is a Minister.

Rijiju goes onto quote Jawaharlal Nehru from a speech given by him on a no-confidence motion moved against the Speaker in 1954: “I would beg honourable members sitting opposite, those who have signed it and those in duty-bound have supported it to read the thing which they have signed. Its a vicious thing, they have signed. I doubt whether the persons have read it before they have signed it. If they have read it, they would have hesitated a hundred times before they sign that document...”

Rijiju then goes on to praise the reforms brought in by Om Birla, saying that his tenure saw the most issues raised during Zero Hour, the most matter raised under Rule 377, and the most special mentions. He added that under his tenure the Parliament transitioned to digital procedure.

After Lok Sabha reconvened, Gaurav Gogoi continued his address by quoting Jawaharlal Nehru: “The Speaker represents the House. He represents the dignity of the House, the freedom of the House and because the House represents the nation, in a particular way, the Speaker becomes the symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty.”

Gogoi asks where is the space for expression today and adds that the Leader of Opposition has a right to question the government. He then points out a “complete breach of neutrality” by Om Birla when he “pre-emptively” PM Modi not to attend the House to speak on the President's Address. Gogoi stressed that Birla's claim that there was “credible information that certain women MPs intend to surround the PM’s chair and create an unexpected situation” was shameful.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi begins the debate on the removal of Speaker Om Birla, by objecting to BJP MP Jagdambika Pal presiding over the House. He argues that the appointment of Pal was an act of the Speaker and, as per House Rules, should be negated while the debate is ongoing. He argues that the Chair should be selected by a panel of Chairmen since the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for the last 7 years.

Union Minister Amit Shah interjects, saying the Opposition is misinterpreting the word 'preside'. Gogoi continues, saying Pal presiding over the House is a “violation of the Constitution.”

He says that despite the Oposition having nearly 200 members in the Lok Sabha, no Deputy Speaker has been appointed, in violation of House rules. He says that access to the microphone is weaponised against Opposition members, especially LoP Rahul Gandhi, who are disallowed to speak. Meanwhile, members of the Treasury Benches are given ample time to speak.

Chairman Pal objects to these remarks and asks Gogoi to speak on charges listed in the resolution. Gogoi counters this by reading out the charges in the resolution. He points out multiple instances when Lop Rahul Gandhi was disallowed from speaking, including during the recent discussion on the President's Address.

Lok Sabha was then adjourned, with Gogoi to continue his speech when the House would reconvene at 2pm.

On 10 March 2026, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed moved a resolution in Lok Sabha, seeking removal of Speaker Om Birla from his position for his 'partial behaviour' towards the BJP. Chairman Jagdambika Pal designated 10 hours to the debate.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order, highlighting the House rules which state that when such a motion is being discussed, the Speaker has no power over the proceedings of the House. He points out that in this case, the Deputy Speaker should preside over the House, but none has been appointed. Instead, he argues, the Chair has been selected by the Speaker and as such should not preside over the resolution. He demanded that the House take a consensus on who should take up the Chair during the debate.

The Chairman dismissed this, saying that the Speaker's Post is not vacant and therefore can conduct the proceedings.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the Centre over S. Jaishankar’s statement on the escalating Iran–Israel conflict. Tharoor spoke to reporters outside Parliament and said that reading a statement without holding a discussion is “unfair.”

He said, “The purpose of Parliament is to take up the issues that matter to India and to have a serious discussion. Just reading a statement, without any questions, from our point of view is not fair to the members of the House.”

He added that the party was looking forward to having a discussion on key issues such as energy security, rising oil prices, and LPG prices, which were increased by the government.

Amid opposition sloganeering and ruckus during S. Jaishankar’s address on the Iran conflict, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm.

As the second half of the Parliament session commenced on March 9, 2026, the Lok Sabha is set to discuss various ongoing issues, including the opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, among other matters.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on the escalating tensions in Iran following the US-Israeli strikes on 28 February 2026. He stated that India’s position emphasises dialogue and diplomacy. “Our government issued a statement on February 20 expressing deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” said Jaishankar.

He told the Rajya Sabha that the Indian government is in touch with Indians in the Gulf. He further added that the Indian Embassy in Tehran, Iran, is operational and is working to assist stranded students in returning home amid the conflict.

In a meeting held at his Parliament office on Friday, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met representatives from 17 major farmer unions across India to discuss the India–US interim trade deal. The update was shared on X by Sukhpal Singh, MLA from Bholath and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

The Rajya Sabha began the final day of the Budget Session with members laying official papers on the table. Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan read a message from the President acknowledging the House’s thanks for her January address. Several special mentions were recorded before the House was adjourned till March 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. Proceedings later resumed after a brief adjournment.

Lok Sabha proceedings began on Friday, the last day of the first phase of the Budget Session. The House paid tribute to former MP Bhagwan Dass Rathor before starting Question Hour. However, continuous sloganeering by Opposition members led to an adjournment till noon.

Protests continued after Question Hour, with members demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Puri. The House was later adjourned and will resume on March 9, 2026.

When proceedings resumed at noon, several ministers laid official papers on the Table. Union Minister Suresh Gopi also made a statement on actions taken regarding recommendations related to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

MoS of Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan moved motions in the Rajya Sabha for the election of members to the Committees on Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, and the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The House approved the motions through a voice vote, and they were adopted.

DMK MP G. Girirajan raised a question on whether the timeline for completing the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu would change following the new India–U.S. trade deal. He referred to earlier assurances that the project would be completed by 2027.

In response, MoS Jitendra Singh stated that the programme would be completed on schedule, citing the “conviction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” as the reason for timely implementation.

The Rajya Sabha extended its sitting by skipping the lunch break in order to accommodate the remaining members who wished to participate in the discussion on the Union Budget 2026. During the proceedings, Bhubaneswar Kalita took over the chair from Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Later, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to the budget discussion in the Rajya Sabha, addressing the points raised by members.

Lok Sabha proceedings began with the Question Hour on Thursday amid continued sloganeering by Opposition members. Several Opposition leaders staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against the India–U.S. interim trade deal, accusing the government of compromising national interests.

Senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, T.R. Baalu, Dharmendra Yadav, Jaya Bachchan, and Sudama Prasad participated in the protest near the Makar Dwar. The protesters carried banners reading “Trap Deal” and posters saying “Narender Surrender,” and raised slogans opposing the trade agreement.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha took up a discussion on the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Bill through a supplementary agenda after the Question Hour. At the same time, central trade unions announced a day-long strike to protest against the labour codes.

Bharat Adivasi Party MP Raj Kumar Roat urged the government to consult workers before passing the Bill and suggested providing free education for workers’ children. Despite protests and opposition, the Lok Sabha later passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Continuing her speech in Lok Sabha, FM Sitharaman replied to the opposition's allegation that the India-US trade deal sold out Indian Farmers.

"I’ll tell you who has really sold the farmers. In 2013, the Congress went to the World Trade Organisation in Bali and made a two-fold agreement. One was on trade facilitation; the other was on public stockholding of grades," she said.

Sitharaman also questioned the oppositions assertion that the Centre was ignoring development in non-BJP ruled states and emphasised the government's focus on infrastructure and MSMEs across the country. Pointing to railway projects, she asserted that several railway projects had been pending for years in West Bengal.

"Since 1990, 28 projects were stuck, but in PM Modi’s term, we have completed them. 172 such projects were announced from 2000 to 2014, and we are in the process of completing it," she added.

She also replied to the allegation that several Central projects were announced without naming states, asking why opposition states did not come forward to collaborate with the Centre.

After Sitharaman's speech, the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day. Both Houses will reconvene at 11am on 12 February 2026.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her speech on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha by speaking on Capital Expenditure. "Although I said capital expenditure is Rs 12.2 lakh crore. The effective capital expenditure, which includes grants that I given to the states as well is Rs 17.1 lakh crore, which is 4.4% of the GDP," she said.

"The 16th Finance Commission analysed the state's share transferred by the Centre to the states from 2018 to 2023 and concluded that in each of these years, the devolution made by the Centre exactly matches the recommendation of the Finance Commission," she added.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day, with the discussion on the Union Budget to continue tomorrow.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha was 'full of lies' and said that the NDA will seek to expunge his comments from the record.

He said he will serve a notice to the Chair to authenticate all of Gandhi's claims. Even though Gandhi said he will authenticate, Rijiju said, "I know he cannot authenticate them because he lied."

At the time of Gandhi's speech, Rijiju had objected to his mention of the Epstein files and countered his comments on Modi by calling him the greatest PM till date. He also urged Gandhi to listen to FM Sitharaman's reply on the Union Budget.

Speaking on the India-US trade deal, Gandhi called it an act of complete surrender.

"We have buckles on tariffs, handed over our data, given up control over digital trade rules, no data localization, free data flow to US, no source code disclosure, and 20 year tax holiday ... Our farmers have been left to the mercy of mechanised massive US farms. Our textile wiped out. Bangladesh will wipe our industry. Our energy security handed over. We can’t buy oil."

Gandhi said no PM would agree to such a deal unless in a chokehold.

"Our farmers for the first time are facing a storm," he said, highlighting the deal's impact on India's agriculture sector. "You have opened the door to mechanised US farms. This is disgraceful. No PM has done this and no PM will do it after you."

Gandhi also talked about Modi's name being mentioned in the Epstein files, promting protests from the Treasury Benches and a ruling from the Speaker directing him to stick to speaking on the Budget.

Rahul Gandhi continues his speech by saying that data is one of India's biggest strengths, along with its people, farmers and food supply, and energy security.

"In a contest between US and China, the single most valuable asset is Indian data. If the US wants to remain a super power and want to protect the dollar, the key to that is Indian data," he says.

He went on to talk about India's position in front of the US: "The U.S. will now decide where we will buy our oil from and not our Prime Minister, and if India buys oil from a country that the U.S. does not approve of, then they will punish us with tariffs."

"While negotiating with President Trump is that the most important thing in this equation is Indian data," he elaborates. "You want to protect dollar, we are your friends. And we appreciate you and help you protect Dollar. The biggest asset for that is Indian people. Second thing we would say is President Trump if you want access to this data, you have to talk to us like equals. Our energy security is our energy security. Third is we understand your voter base is farmers. But we will also protect our farmers."

"The main thing I am saying that is INDIA bloc govt will go and say data is our biggest strength. We will go there as equals. And we will not be made equal to Pakistan," he concluded his point.

LoP Rahul Gandhi began his address on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha by speaking on the Economic Survey. "I was looking at the economic survey. Two points I saw there," he said.

"First, we are living in a world with geopolitical conflict. The old US-based system, based on dollar is being challenged. It is being challeneged by Chinese and Russia," he said.

"We are living in a world where energy and finance are being weaponised. Main thing is that we are moving from a world of stability to a world of instability," he elaborated on the second point. "The dollar is being challenged. We are moving from a world of one superpower to multiple super power. And that is what is said in economic survey and I agree with that."

"The Economic Survey says there is an intensifying geo-political conflict but the Budget does not talk about what we need to do as a country to fight this conflict," he added, taking aim at the Union Budget. "There is absolutely nothing in the Budget on energy and finance."

Proceedings commenced for day 11 of the Budget Session of Parliament at 11am. Rajya Sabha began with Papers to be Laid on the Table, Committee Reports and Minister statements, before moving onto Zero Hour.

Lok Sabha began with Question Hour amidst sloganeering by opposition members. As proceedings continued, the opposition staged a walkout while raising slogans against the India-US trade deal.

Both Houses are to continue discussion on the Union Budget later, with LoP Rahul Gandhi expected to speak in Lok Sabha. The Congress is also expected to focus on the India-US trade deal during the debate.

Meanwhile, Speaker Om Birla is absent from Lok Sabha after a no-confidence motion was moved against him yesterday. He will remain out of the House until proceedings against him are disposed of.

Both houses adjourn for the day, with discussion on the Union Beudget to resume after the Houses reconvene at 11am on 11 February 2026.

Rajya Sabha took up Special Mentions for the day, with the discussion on the Union Budget to continue tomorrow. Lok Sabha continues the discussion.

Both Houses of Parliament reconvened at 2pm, taking up discussion on the Union Budget. Prior to proceedings recommencing, the opposition submitted a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla under Rule 94 (C). The notice had 119 signatures.

After Lok Sabha reconvened, opposition members continued to protest. The Chair called for Papers to be Laid, but MPs flooded the Well of the House and raised slogans calling for LoP Rahul Gandhi to speak in Parliament. The Chair also announced that all adjournment motions for the day had been rejected. The House was shortly adjourned till 2pm.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha took up Question Hour.

Day 10 of the Budget Session of Parliament began with Lok Sabha taking up Question Hour and Rajya Sabha taking up Zero Hour.

Lok Sabha was adjourned promptly as the opposition continued sloganeering against the Chair for disallowing LoP Rahul Gandhi to speak. The House will reconvene at 12 noon. The opposition is also expected to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla later.

Earlier, Congress MP Manish Tewari had moved an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha, seeking discussion the India-US Trade Deal. Rajya Sabha began with papers to be laid and committee reports, before moving onto Zero Hour.

Both Houses are expected to take up discussion on the Union Budget later in day.

Lok Sabha proceedings were repeatedly adjourned again on Monday, 9 February 2026, as opposition members continued to protest against Speaker Om Birla for refusing to let LoP Rahul Gandhi speak.

Opposition members also protested in Rajya Sabha, as the Chair refused to allow a discussion on the India-US trade deal. Both Houses saw discussion begin on the Union Budget. Rajya Sabha adjourned in the evening.

Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal spoke about issues related to women’s safety, justice, and social mindset, saying that repeated court dates (“tarikh par tarikh”) break a victim’s spirit and that the lack of fear of punishment encourages crimes. She stressed that until there is certainty in punishment, such cases will continue, and state governments must work seriously on this issue. Referring to sexual violence, she said, “rape does not happen because of clothes; it happens because of mentality.”

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings, with several key Bills being introduced, including amendments to criminal laws, a constitutional amendment on reservation, a proposal for a mandatory 10-year census, legislation on airline passengers’ rights, and a provision for free cancer treatment across India.

The Rajya Sabha commenced. During Question Hour, MPs raised several issues. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed questions on train services in different regions, while Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded to queries on digital agriculture initiatives.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned and is scheduled to resume at 2:00 p.m.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned minutes after resuming on Friday, February 6, 2026, amid continued disruptions during the session. Speaker Om Birla reprimanded members for repeated interruptions and urged them to maintain decorum and allow discussions to proceed.

Expressing concern, Mr. Birla said, “19 hours and 13 minutes of the House has been wasted so far,” due to sloganeering and protests. He added that people across the country expect Parliament to function effectively.

The Lok Sabha will reconvene at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.

PM Modi arrived in Rajya Sabha, beginning his speech on the President's address. Opposition members continued to raise slogans demanding LoP Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak in parliament.

Modi began by praising India's economy for its rare combination of 'high growth and low inflation'. He said that we are moving towards a new world order, with India as the voice of the Global South. He also said that India shouldn’t stop or look back, rather continue moving forward. Soon after Modi began his speech, the opposition walked out of the House.

Modi then criticised the Congress, saying the past speeches of all Congress PMs reflected no vision. He stated that most of his government's efforts have gone into fixing the mistakes of his predecessors. He said Congress will have to answer for creating a country that no one wanted to trade with. He says his government has adopted the mantra of 'reform-transform-perform' and that they had brought India onboard the 'Reform Express'.

He went on to speak about the threat of 'infiltraitors' in the country, saying they are stealing jobs and land, indulging in violence and threatening women. He criticised the opposition for defending such 'infiltraitors' while most developed countries are focused on removing them.

He went onto praise reforms made to the banking sector and highlighted record profits for PSUs. He also talked about how the Congress failed farmers, while the NDA has uplifted them.

After Lok Sabha reconvened at 3pm, Speaker Om Birla addressed the House on the incidents of the past two days. He called the opposition's actions against the parliament's tradition. He went on to say that he had advised PM Modi not to attend the day's proceedings, citing security concenrs posed by opposition members. He further said the Budget Session will not proceed if members continue to sloganeer and carry placards into the House.

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 6 February 2026, 11am. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha continues discussion on the President's address.

Opposition members continued to protest after Lok Sabha reconvened at 2pm. The House was set to take up matters under Rule 377, but was shortly adjourned till 3pm amidst sloganeering. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha took up discussion on the President's address.

Lok Sabha reconvened at 12 noon, amidst heavy sloganeering by opposition members. The House took up Papers to be Laid before moving onto Statements by Ministers. Speaker Om Birla than moved a motion of thanks on the President's address which was passed by voice vote.

The House, however, was adjourned till 2pm as opposition MPs continued to protest. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha proceeded with Question Hour.

The debate in Rajya Sabha continued, with LoP Kharge arguing that opposition members are not allowed to speak in parliament. He refered to BJP MPs as 'bonded labourers' of PM Modi, who can't speak without his permission. Chairman Radhakrishnan objected to the remark and struck it from the record.

LoP Kharge argued that majority members constantly criticised the Congress, but asked what mouth can they speak from when they perpetrate lynchings, abuse, rapes, and other atrocities. Radhakrishnan directed all unparliamentary references to be struck from the record.

Parliamentray Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju replied to Kharge, alleging that he is misleading the House. He argued that LoP Rahul Gandhi was not stopped from speaking, saying that he spoke for 40 minutes but constantly ungaged in unparliamentary conduct.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke next, objecting to Kharge's comments on lynching. She referenced two instances of lynchings that took place under Congress rule - one in Rajasthan, one is Kerala - asking what action the party took in those instances.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva then spoke, saying that the Chair had earlier issued a ruling allowing a BJP MP to discuss subjudice matters and that this ruling should be upheld. CPI(M) MP John Brittas then spoke, saying that there are three facades of the parliament - the Lower House, the Upper House and the President - and that despite this, the President had been kept away when the new Parliament was inaugurated.

LoP Kharge then rose again to speak, making reference to General Naravane's biography. Radhakrishnan vehemently objected to this, shifting the mic to LoH Nadda. Nadda accused Kharge and the Congress of strangling and belittling democracy while speaking in its name. The opposition walked out of the House in protest. Nadda continued to shame the Congress for not allowing parliamentary proceedings to move ahead, while praising PM Modi's leadership.

After his speech, the House moved onto Zero Hour.

Rajya Sabha proceedings began with Papers to be Laid on the table, before continuing with the discussion on the President's address. Beginning the debate, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of Rahul Gandhi not being allowd to speak in Lok Sabha.

Soon after Kharge began his speech, Chairman CP Radhakrishnan reprimanded him for speaking about Lok Sabha proceedings in the Upper House. Kharge responde by saying, “There are two pillars [of a parliamentary democracy]. When you paralyse one to hide your [BJP’s] your mistakes, it is a betrayal and an insult to this country.”

Radhakrishnan interrupted Kharge, directing LoH JP Nadda to speak. Nadda began by saying, “The Narendra Modi government is always ready to speak on any issue. PM Modi was ready to answer your questions in Lok Sabha yesterday, but you did not let proceedings continue.”

Shortly after day 7 of the Budget Session of Parliament 2026 commenced, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon, amidst sloganeering by opposition MPs. Members were protesting against the House preventing LoP Rahul Gandhi from speaking. Members continued to protest outside the Upper House.

Earlier, opposition members had held a strategy meeting at Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge's office. Congress MP Manish Tewari had also moved an adjournment motion in the Lower House demanding a discussion on the India-US trade deal.

Reportedly, PM Modi is scheduled to speak in Rajya Sabha later today.

After chaos erupted in Parliament, Congress leaders staged a protest on the Parliament steps, holding posters featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jeffrey Epstein with the text “PM Is Compromised.” The protest was held over multiple issues against the ruling party. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also displayed a book by former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane outside Parliament.

Earlier on Monday, January 2, 2026, Rahul Gandhi referred to the book and attempted to quote from it inside the House but was unable to do so due to continuous interruptions. Before today's session began, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the proceedings, calling them against the fundamental principles of democracy.

Meanwhile, AAP MPs protested within the Parliament premises over the India–US trade agreement. Amid the uproar, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm.

Lok Sabha reconvened at 3pm for only three minutes. Chairperson Dilip Saikia listed of the names of eight opposition members for suspension: Gurdeep Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Manickam Tagore, Kiran Kumar Reddy, S Venkataraman, and Prashant Padole.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju then rose to move that the listed members be suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the session. The motion was passed by voice vote amidst protests by opposition members. The House was then adjourned 4 February 2026, 11am.

Meanwhile, the debate on the President's address remains ongoing in Rajya Sabha.

When Lok Sabha reconvened at 2pm, the House once again took up discussion on the President's address. LoP Rahul Gandhi rose to begin his speech, this time laying the article on Army General Naravane's remarks on the table. Parliamentary Affair Kiren Rijiju objected, citing Speaker om Birla's ruling on the matter.

Congress MP Venugopal objected to Rijiju's remarks, claiming them to be misleading and sought to offer a clarification, but was stopped by the Chair. This prompted protests from opposition MPs, who asked, "Is this House just for them [BJP]?"

Gandhi attempted to continue his speech, once again refering to the India-China standoff in 2020, saying he has authenticated the papers. The Chair once again dismissed this assertion and moved onto the next speaker.

This prompted massive protests by members, who filled the well of the House, prompting the Chair to adjourn proceedings till 3pm. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha began discussion on the President's Address after the House reconvened.

Question Hour proceeded in Rajya Sabha till 1pm, when the House was adjoourned to meet again in an hour. Meanwhile, Congress MPs met on the parliamentary premises to strategize how to address the India-US trade deal in Parliament.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Congress leaders reportedly met to discuss how to proceed with the session. Reports suggest that the government will make a statement on the trade deal later today in Parliament.

Lok Sabha proceedings resumed amidst continued protests by opposition members. The House first took up Papers to be Laid before onto Motions for Election to Committees. Parliamentary Affairs Minister then presented a motion for the House to agree with the 14th Report of the Business Advisory Committee.

Listed next was a continued debate on the President's address, but the House was adjourned till 2pm amidst the protests.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha also saw opposition protests over the newly announced US-India trade deal. Leader of the House (LoH) JP Nadda rose to address the protesting MPs, accusing the Congress of irresponsible behaviour, praising the deal and Trump's comments on Modi, and saying that the government was ready to discuss the issue 'soon'.

The opposition then proceeded to walk out of the House, while Question Hour was taken up.

Soon after Lok Sabha proceedings began, opposition members filled the well of the House. They were protesting LoP Rahul Gandhi being prevented from replying to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's allegations against Congress. The House was adjourned till 12 noon by Speaker Om Birla amidst the protests.

Yesterday, day 4 of the Budget Session (2 February 2026), Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned multiple times and a spat broke out between members over Gandhi's attempts to quote excerpts from an the unpublished memoir of Army General Naravane. The excerpts allegedly highlighted the 'incompetence' of PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in matters of national security.

MPs also raised slogans against the fresh India-US trade deal that prescribes 18% tariff on exported Indian goods, while reducing charges to zero for US goods entering India.

Meanwhile, Zero Hour commenced in Rajya Sabha with Congress MP Jairam Ramesh demanding a discussion on the recent India-US trade deal. The deal, announced by US President Trump, opens the Indian market to US goods byr reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to zero. Earlier, Congress MP Venugopal had submitted an Adjournment Motion in Lok Sabha, which asked why the Indian government had not announced the deal and stressed its impact on Indian industries, traders, MSMEs, and farmers.

Day 5 of the Budget Session of Parliament 2026 began with obituary references in both Houses. Lok Sabha then moved onto Question Hour and Rajya Sabha took up Zero Hour.

Before the day's proceedings began, the NDA convened a Party Parliamentary meeting to discuss the Union Budget and the Viksit Bharat roadmap. PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin - who was formally felicitated for the first time - were in attendance, along with other MPs and Ministers.

Congress MP KC Venugopal also submitted an Adjournment Motion in Lok Sabha to discuss the new India-US trade deal. “Despite the significant economic, agricultural, and strategic implications of these reported commitments,” the notice read, “the Government has neither made an official statement nor taken Parliament into confidence. The country has the right to know the exact terms and conditions of the proposed trade deal.”

Following a discussion on the President's address, Rajya Sabha took up Special Mentions for the day before adjourning till 3 February 2026, 11am.

After reconvening for the second time, LoP continued his speech on the President's address, framin the issue as a matter of national security. Amidst protests by majority MPs, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day, to be reconvened at 11am on 3 february 2026.

After Lok Sabha reconvened at 3pm, LoP Rahul Gandhi began his speech once again, mentioning the China-India conflict at Kailish Ridge in 2020. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opposed the speech, prompting Speaker Om Birla to issue a warning to Gandhi. Soon, chaos broke out in the House, which was adjourned till 4pm.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha continued its debate on the President's address.

Citing violation of House rules, Speaker Om Birla disallowed LoP Rahul Gandhi from continuing his speech on the President's address. The House was adjourned amidst protests by opposition members.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha reconvened after lunch break and began the discussion on the President's address.

During the debate on the President's address in Lok Sabha, after BJP MP Tejasvi Surya spoke on the issue, LoP Rahul Gandhi rose to address the House.

Replying to Surya, who had pointed out that that the Congress had not once mentioned India's heritage in Parliament during the UPA tenure, Rahul Gandhi began his speech by attempting to quote a magazine article. The article featured excerpts from the unpublished memoir of General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who was the former chief of army staff from December 2019 until April 2022.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interupted the speech, objecting to Gandhi quoting an unverified publication in the House. This prompted protests by opposition MPs. Gandhi said that the exferpt would dispute Surya's allegations and that Rajnath Singh was opposing the move because his name would be mentioned in the excerpt.

Speaker Om Birla disallowed Gandhi from proceeding with the excerpt, citing House rules. This was disputed by opposition members, prompting Home Minister Amit Shah to interject. Mics of several opposition members were then muted.

Gandhi then said he would not quote the excerpt, but describe the events it outlined. Om Birla ruled against this, prompting further outcry from opposition MPs.

Following Question Hour, the Lok Sabha moved onto papers to be laid, before BJP MP Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is to lead the opposition in disscussion and PM Modi is to reply on 4 February 2026.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the motion discussion, scheduled to begin later today, will last 18 hours and span three days.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion prior to commencement of the session in Lok Sabha to discuss PM Modi's reference in the Epstein files. The Ministry of External Affairs had addressed the development, calling the references "trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal."

Congress MP Hibi Eden also moved an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha to discuss the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), saying the excercise could hamper fundamental rights and the electoral process if rushed and non-transparent.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh also sought to suspend business of the day in Rajya Sabha to discuss the ongoing redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, which he called destruction of heritage.

Proceedings began in both Houses at 11:00am amid protests by opposition members. Lok Sabha started directly with Question Hour, while Rajya Sabha saw papers laid on the table before moving on to Zero Hour.

Later, motions of thanks for the President's address will be raised in both Houses.

In the Union Budget 2026, no change in the current Income Tax Slabs has been made.

As per the Current Tax Rates under New Tax Regime for FY26, Between Rs 4 and Rs 8 lakh, the tax will be five percent; between Rs 8 and Rs 12 lakh, it will be 10 percent; between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh, it will be 15 percent; between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, it will be 20 percent; between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 24 lakh, it will be 25 percent, and above Rs 24 lakh, the tax will be 30 percent.

As of now, individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh—or Rs 12.75 lakh with standard deductions pay zero tax.

PM Modi praised the 2026-27 Union Budget in a video address. He said that the Budget was youth centric and reflects "nari shakti", saying it lays a foundation for Viksit Bharat.

He added that the Budget embodies trust-based governance and that India is undertaking reforms to enable a productive environment for its youth. He said that India's recent trade deals will benefit the youth and middle class, laying a foundationf for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Modi says that the Budget focuses on reducing inflation and fiscal deficit, and boosting employment generation. He congratulated FM Sitharaman for such a "futuristic" budget.

After the Union Budget Speech concluded, the Sensex plummeted by 2,100 points before climbing back up. It stabalised 1,000 points lower, with major dips across sectors like defence and banking.

After concluding her Union Budget Speech, FM Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Finance Bill, 2025, in Lok Sabha. The motion for introduction was accepted by voice vote, after which the House was adjourned.

Tariff on dutiable personal-use imports will fall from 20% to 10%. Basic customs duty on 17 medicines and duty-free import of drugs and food for seven more rare diseases were announced.

Baggage clearance rules will be revised to reflect current travel patterns. Honest taxpayers can close disputes by paying an additional amount in lieu of penalties, under a settlement-oriented framework.

Duty deferral for Tier 2 and 3 AEOs will increase from 15 to 30 days. Advance ruling validity will rise to five years. Customs warehousing will shift to a self-declaration, operator-centric system with electronic tracking.

A single digital window for inter-agency cargo clearances will be operational by the end of the financial year, with 70% of interdicted cargo categories onboarded by April 2026. AI-based non-intrusive container scanning will be expanded.

Duty-free import limits for seafood processing inputs will rise to 3% of FOB value. Leather and synthetic footwear export inputs will also get duty-free access.

Fish caught by Indian vessels in EEZ or high seas will be treated as duty-free exports. The ₹10 lakh cap on courier exports per consignment will be removed. SEZ manufacturing units will be allowed one-time concessional duty sales to domestic markets within limits.

Basic customs duty exemptions were extended to capital goods for Lithium-Ion cell manufacturing, sodium antimonate for solar glass, and goods for nuclear power projects till 2035. Exemptions were also announced for critical mineral processing equipment.

In aviation, duty exemptions will apply to parts for civilian and training aircraft and defence-sector MRO units. Microwave oven component parts will also see duty exemptions under electronics sector support.

MAT will become a final tax from April 1, 2026, with no further credit accumulation. The rate will be reduced from 15% to 14%, and brought-forward MAT credit can be set off up to one-fourth of new regime tax liability.

Buybacks will be taxed as capital gains for all shareholders. Promoters will pay additional tax, taking effective rates to 22% for corporate promoters and 30% for non-corporate promoters. STT on futures and options will be raised.

Foreign companies using Indian data centres to provide global cloud services will receive a tax holiday till 2047. Safe harbour provisions include 15% cost margin for related data centre entities and 2% profit margin for bonded warehouse component warehousing.

Five-year income tax exemptions are proposed for non-residents supplying capital goods to toll manufacturers in bonded zones and for global income of non-resident experts under notified schemes. MAT exemption will apply to non-residents taxed on presumptive basis.

Software development, IT-enabled services, KPO and contract R&D in software will be merged into a single Information Technology Services category with a common safe harbour margin of 15.5%.

The safe harbour threshold will rise from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore, approved through an automated process valid for five years. Unilateral APAs for IT services will be fast-tracked within two years. Modified return benefits will extend to associated entities entering APAs.

Tax deductions available to primary cooperative societies supplying produce from members will now extend to those supplying cattle feed and cotton seed. Inter-cooperative dividend income will qualify for deduction if redistributed to members.

A three-year exemption will be granted on dividend income received by notified national cooperative federations on investments made in companies up to 31 January 2026, provided dividends are passed on to member cooperatives.

Assessment and penalty proceedings under Income Tax will now be integrated into a single common order. Taxpayers will be allowed to update returns even after reassessment begins, on payment of an additional 10% tax.

Non-production of books of accounts and TDS requirements for payments made in kind will be decriminalised. Non-disclosure of foreign assets below ₹20 lakh will get retrospective immunity from prosecution from October 1, 2024. The prosecution framework overall will be rationalised.

The time limit for revising income tax returns will be extended from December 31 to March 31, with a nominal fee. Filing timelines for returns will also be staggered.

Form 15G and 15H for TDS relief on dividends and interest will move to a single-window filing through depositories. For property transactions involving NRIs, resident buyers’ PAN-based challans will replace the TAN requirement. A six-month foreign asset disclosure scheme will also be introduced for small taxpayers.

Several taxpayer relief measures were proposed. Interest awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal to individuals will now be exempt from Income Tax, and TDS on such payments will be removed.

TCS rates are being rationalised. The rate on overseas tour packages will be reduced to 2%, while TCS on education and medical remittances under LRS will fall from 5% to 2%. A rule-based automated system for lower or nil TDS certificates for small taxpayers will replace manual applications.

FM Sitharaman announced that the New Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into effect from April 2026. She said the accompanying Income Tax Rules and forms are being redesigned for easier compliance and will be notified shortly.

The government aims to simplify filing for ordinary citizens through streamlined formats. This move is positioned as a structural reform in direct tax administration, focused on reducing complexity and improving taxpayer experience under the new regime.

FM Sitharaman highlighted several key numbers from the Union Budget 2026-27:

• Non-Debt Receipts - Rs. 36.5 lakh crore

• Total Expenditure - Rs. 53.5 lakh crore

• Debt to GDP Ratio - 55.6% in BE 2026-27

• Fiscal Deficit - 4.3% of GDP in BE 2026-27

• Revised Estimates of Non-Debt Receipts - ₹34 lakh crore 

• Revised Estimates of Total Expenditure - ₹49.6 lakh crore

• Finance Commission Grants to States - ₹1.4 lakh crore in FY27

• Net Tax Receipts - ₹28.7 lakh crore in FY27

• Capex Expenditure - ₹11 lakh crore in FY26

Speaking on the tourism sector, FM Sitharaman proposed setting up a National Institute of Hospitality and a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid, a knowledge repository. She also suggested a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 guides across 20 tourist destinations, develop ecological trails across Himalayan and coastal states, and developing 15 archaeological sites.

She also specified focus on animal husbandry, fisheries and high-value crops. She suggested setting up productivity-boosting production schemes for coconuts, cashews, cocoa, sandalwood, etc.

Continuing her speech, FM Sitharaman also addressed reforms under the third 'kartavya'.

She specified a Sports Good initiative focused on manufacturing, research and equipment design. She suggested revitalising around 200 legacy industrial clusters to boost competition. She also outlined ₹20,000 crore for carbon capture, storage and utilisation over the next five years.

Additionally, she also suggested setting up: an Eastcoast Industrial corridor, with Durgapur as a major node; A Buddhist circuit across northeast states; a second NIMHANS and upgrades to existing mental health institutes; the Divyaang Sahara Yojana to provide assistive devices to People with Disabilities (PwD); Bharat Vistar, an AI tool to integrate the agristack and ICAR portals; SHE-marts (Self-help Entrepreneur), community-owned retail outlets; the Khelo India Mission to boost the sports sector; a new National Institute of Design in the east, and Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) labs across 15,000 schools and 500 colleges; regional medical hubs to boost medico-tourism; and three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda.

FM Sitharaman listed several initiatives in line with the second ‘kartavya’ and the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

First, she suggested setting up high-level committees on banking, the service sector, and education-to-employment. She further suggested restructuring the Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation, along with reviewing non-debt instruments rules of the Foreign Exchange Management, and proposing Corporate and Municipal Bonds.

Sitharaman also listed several capacity building initiatives and accomplishments, beginning with highlighting how 25 crore people have come out of multi-dimentional poverty in the last 10 years. She suggested improved training for healthcare, veterinary and caregiving professionals.

FM Sitharaman said that the government will focus on infrastructural development of tier 2 and tier 3 cities. "During this past decade, our government has undertaken several initiatives for large-scale enhancement of public infrastructure,” she said, “including through new financing instruments such as Infrastructure Investment Trust (IIT) and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).” She also suggested setting up an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee fund to provide partial credit guarantee to lenders.

She added that capital expenditure has increased from ₹2 lakh crore in 2014-15, to ₹11.2 lakh crore in BE 25-26, and is expected to reach ₹12.2 lakh crores in FY27.

In terms of concrete projects, Sitharaman suggested establishing dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West, 20 new national waterways across the country beginning with Odisha, ship-repair ecosystems in Varanasi and Patna, and high-speed rail corridors connecting major urban and economic centres.

Infrastructure

FM Sitharaman stressed building capacity for Strong Capital Goods, by manufacturing high-precision components at scale and lower costs. For this, she suggested establishing high-tech tool rooms for concerned central public sector enterprises. She also announced a scheme for the improving manufacturing of construction and infrastructure equipment.

Textile

FM Sitharaman stressed building capacity for Strong Capital Goods, by manufacturing high-precision components at scale and lower costs. For this, she suggested establishing high-tech tool rooms for concerned central public sector enterprises. She also announced a scheme for the improving manufacturing of construction and infrastructure equipment.

Speaking on the labour-intensive textile sector, FM Sitharaman proposed five schemes:

• National Fibre Scheme

• Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme

• National Handloom and Handicraft Programme

• Tex-Eco Initiative

• Samarth 2.0

She additionally proposed the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative and setting up mega-textile parks.

MSMEs

FM Sitharaman suggested a three-prong approach to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME):

A ₹10,000 crore SME growth fund

A ₹2,000 addition to the self-reliant India fund

Liquidity support via TREDS platform

She also suggested training 'Corporate Mitras' to ensure MSMEs meet their regulatory complaince.

In her speech, FM Sitharaman said that the the Budget was drafted "keeping aatmanirbharta [self-sustainability] as a lodestar." In line with this, she recommended a number of schemes and sector-wise reforms to bolster India's economy and ensure that "citizens benefit from every action of the government."

Health

Sitharaman proposed the BioPharma Shakti scheme, meaning, "BioPharma Strategy for Health Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation," to develop into India into a global biopharma manufacturing hub.

The scheme outlined ₹10,000 crores to develop India’s health manufacturing environment over the next five years. She specified establishing three new institutions for pharmaceutical education and research and upgrading seven others. She also suggested a biopharma-focused network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, and strengthening the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation.

Electronics

Focusing semiconductor, FM Sitharaman outlined “India's Semiconductor Mission 2.0” to expand India's semiconductor sector capabilities. She outlined production of equipment and materials, designing full stack, Indian IP and fortifying supply chains as key areas of focus. “We will also focus on industry-led research and training centres to develop technology and a skilled workforce,” she said. She added that the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme of April 2025, which had an outlay of ₹22,999 crores, has received investment commitments at double its targets.

Mining

In a related initiative, FM Sitharaman proposed developing a mining corridor dedicated to rare earth minerals. This will stretch across Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. She said that a November 2025 scheme focused on rare earth permanent magnets will be expanded to enhance domestic production. This will involve establishing three dedicated chemical parks.

FM Sitharaman listed six areas that require intervention in line with the first 'kartavya':

1. Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors

2. Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors

3. Creating champion MSMEs

4. Delivering a powerful push for infrastructure

5. Ensuring long term security and stability 

6. Developing city-economic regions. 

FM Sitharaman continued her speech, saying that this budget is driven by 'Yuva Shakti'. "India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion,: she said. She then went onto list three 'kartavya' or duties that inspired the 2026-27 Union Budget:

1. Accelerate and sustain economic growth; enhance productivity and competitiveness; build resilience to volatile global dynamics.

2. Fulfil aspirations of the Indian people and build their capacity making them strong partners in India’s prosperity.

3. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' - Ensure every family, sector and region has access to resources, amenities and opportunities for meaningful participation.

After the Union Cabinet approved the 2026-27 Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed Lok Sabha.

She began by laying on the table the Report for 2026-2031 by the Sixteenth Finance Commission. She then moved onto the Budget Speech.

Sitharaman began by praising the NDA government, saying its tenure "has been marked by a state of stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation." She added that the government has focused on reform rather than rhetoric.

President Droupadi Murmu met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the Union Budget for 2026–27 on February 1, 2026. This will be Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget, marking a major milestone for the first woman Finance Minister to present the Budget nine times in a row. She is now close to the record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented a total of 10 Budgets across two separate tenures.

As is customary, President Murmu fed the Finance Minister dahi-cheeni (curd and sugar) ahead of the Union Budget session.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for 2026–27, marking a historic moment as it is being delivered on a Sunday for the first time in independent India’s history. 

This will be her ninth consecutive Budget, making her the first woman finance minister to achieve this feat, and the 15th Budget of the Narendra Modi-led government. It is also the second full Budget since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power for a third straight term in 2024.

The FY27 Budget comes at a time of heightened complexity for the Indian economy. While domestic demand has remained resilient and inflation has moderated from recent peaks, the global environment remains deeply uncertain.

Geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, uneven monetary easing by major central banks and rising trade fragmentation continue to weigh on the outlook. Adding to the challenge are punitive 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods, which have unsettled financial markets and contributed to sustained foreign investor outflows and a record low rupee.

So far, sweeping income tax and GST cuts, higher infrastructure spending and interest rate reductions by the Reserve Bank of India have helped cushion the economy against these external shocks. However, those tax cuts have also dented government revenues, narrowing the fiscal space available to support growth in the new Budget.

Economists expect this year’s Budget to focus on defence, infrastructure, capital expenditure, power and affordable housing, while carefully balancing social welfare priorities with fiscal prudence. The emphasis, they say, will be on sustaining growth momentum without compromising the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.

The government has steadily reduced the fiscal deficit from the Covid-induced peak of 9.2 per cent to an estimated 4.4 per cent in FY26, and experts believe this path of “fiscal rectitude” will largely be maintained, with no major deviation expected.

Unlike the FY26 Budget, which was more explicitly geared towards stimulating middle-class consumption through tax relief, the FY27 Budget’s consumption push is expected to be more targeted.

Overall, economists say the Budget is likely to strike a careful balance between sustaining growth and maintaining fiscal discipline, while addressing near-term challenges arising from an unprecedented phase of global geopolitical and economic flux.

 (This Updates is from IANS news service. NewsGram holds no responsibility for its content. )

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented in Parliament on February 1, 2026, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Budget speech is expected to begin around 11 AM, during which she will outline key economic indicators, tax slabs, and the government’s development plans for the 2026–27 financial year.

This will be Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget, bringing her close to the record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 Budgets. The upcoming Budget is expected to focus on reform measures aimed at boosting economic growth amid global uncertainty and volatile geopolitical conditions.

India’s Economic Survey 2025-26 presents the economy as entering a structurally different phase of development, where strong domestic macroeconomic performance coexists with a volatile and less supportive global environment.

Question Hour in Rajya Sabha saw five of 15 listed questions being discusses. The questions concerned 'Participation of top companies in job fairs in Bihar', 'Employment elasticity of GDP Growth', 'Upgradation of post offices', 'Connectivity of Gram Panchayats', and 'Encouraging private sector in space programmes'.

The House then adjourned, scheduled to meet on 1 February 2026, an hour after the Budget is presented in Lok Sabha.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lower House. This was followed by papers laid by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the laying of eight bills passed during the 18th Session of Lok Sabha. Finally, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the 13th report of the Business Advisory Committee.

Before the Economic Survey was presented, Speaker Om Birla announced that as part of one of the many new initiatives by the Parliament, the Survey would be presented to all members as a soft copy on WhatsApp. There was no discussion on the Survey and the House was adjourned till 1 February 2026, 11:00am.

Lok Sabha commenced with Question Hour. A total of 17 questions were presented out of 20 listed. Many focused on infrastructure, specifically the status of roads and highways under construction in different states. Others had to do with the Jal Jeevan mission and water infrastructure. Some others looked at the functioning and budgeting of various schemes.

Rajya Sabha commenced with Papers to be Laid, before moving onto matters under Rule 377, which is matters of public importance. 15 notices were listed across a variety of topics, such as financial support for the plantation sector, tourism, use of religious iconography on packaging, regularisation of airfare, health and hospitals, and many others. The House then proceeded with Question Hour.

Meanwhile, FM Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey in Lok Sabha.

Day 2 (29 January 2026) of the Budget Session of Parliament 2026 commenced with PM Modi's address outside Parliament at 10:45am. Later today, FM Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to table the Economic Survey in Lok Sabha.

Modi began his address by praising President Droupadi Murmu's speech yesterday inaugarating the Budget Session. The bulk of his address focused on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the EU at the beginning of this quarter. He said the agreement reflected the bright future of India's youth.

“This [FTA] is Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities.”

He then praised FM Sitharaman for being the first woman to present the ninth consecutive budget, marking a proud moment in the parliamentary history of India.

Sitharaman is set to table the economic survey in the Lower House at 12 noon. The Economic Survey, prepared by the Finance Ministry, is an annual review of the government's financial performance and the state of India's economy.

Following the President's address, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan addressed the sitting, exalting the Union government for it's developmental and welfare accomplishments.

Afterwards, President Murmu was given a ceremonial salute for her departure. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha convened shortly afterwards, around 12 noon, holding obituary refernces for past members and notable figures. Both Houses were promptly adjourned till 29 January 2026.

Prior to commencement of the day's ceremonies, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that this session of Parliament will only see discussions revolving around the Budget. He added that the government is ready to discuss other important issues, while at the same time refusing to entertain demands for renewed discussions on the VB-G RAM G Bill and the SIR.

Meanwhile, the Opposition demanded discussion on these specific topics, with Congress MP Manickam Tagore saying, “vote theft, SIR, procurement of paddy and bringing back MGNREGA” are some of the topics they will raise. Another MP also mentioned highlighting the falling value of the Rupee and worsening air pollution.