New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament witnessed a major escalation on Thursday after the Bharatiya Janata Party initiated a formal move seeking termination of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s membership of the House. The notice was submitted a day after the Wayanad MP delivered a sharp speech questioning the Union Budget and the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States.
The ruling party has accused the Congress leader of making statements that it considers damaging to national interests and parliamentary dignity. The move has intensified the already heated atmosphere in both Houses, where repeated disruptions have taken place since the session began. Leaders of the BJP argued that strong action was necessary to maintain the decorum of Parliament.
During his address on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi spoke at length on global political tensions, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the economic implications of the trade understanding with Washington. His remarks triggered protests from treasury benches, while Opposition members insisted that he had the right to express his views on matters of public importance.
The confrontation followed several days of disagreement over the Congress leader’s attempt to refer to portions of an unpublished book by a former Army chief. The issue led to repeated adjournments, with Opposition parties alleging that the government was preventing free debate inside the House.
On Thursday, members of various Opposition parties gathered near the Makar Dwar complex to continue their protest against what they described as harmful provisions in the trade agreement and the Budget proposals. They also expressed solidarity with farmers who have raised concerns over agricultural policies.
The ongoing Budget Session began on January 28 and is scheduled to run for 65 days with a total of 30 sittings. According to the parliamentary calendar, both Houses will take a recess from February 13 to March 9 so that standing committees can examine the demands for grants of different ministries. The session is expected to conclude on April 2, but the latest political clash has raised doubts about smooth functioning in the coming weeks.
With the government and the Opposition locked in confrontation, prospects for constructive debate appear uncertain, and further disruptions are likely as both sides prepare for a prolonged political battle.
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