The budget session of Parliament, set to begin on Wednesday, is expected to be a stormy affair, with the Congress-led opposition preparing to raise several critical issues, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This comes despite the government's refusal to allow further discussions on these matters.
Congress leaders are also expected to seek clarification on key economic and foreign policy concerns amid rising global tensions.
Naseer Hussain, Congress leader and whip in the Rajya Sabha, stated that a meeting convened by party leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday had identified several important issues for the first part of the Budget session.
"The most pressing issue is MGNREGA. We had an in-depth discussion on it and will bring it up during the initial phase of the Budget session. Along with that, the issue of SIR will also be raised. Many members highlighted how the BJP has caused confusion and disruption surrounding the SIR," he said.
This move comes despite a rejection by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who turned down requests to debate both the VB-G RAM G Act and the SIR.
The Congress is also likely to raise other concerns, including the redefinition of the Aravalli Hills, the Great Nicobar project, the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, and issues related to water contamination in Indore and Ahmedabad.
With ongoing tariff tensions between India and the United States and US President Donald Trump's continued claims of mediation between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the opposition is also expected to demand greater clarity on the government's foreign policy approach.
Meanwhile, leaders from various opposition parties will meet in Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in Parliament House on Wednesday at 10 am to strategise their approach for the session.