New Delhi [India]: The Lok Sabha was adjourned till February 10 on Thursday, with the lower house of Parliament set to reconvene at 11 AM on Monday.
Earlier in the day, around 30 National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for budget announcements that significantly addressed concerns of a poll-bound state, with Assembly elections scheduled for November this year.
Opposition Protests Over Fishermen Detainment & Deportation of Indians
The Parliament premises witnessed protests from multiple Opposition MPs over various issues, including the detainment of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and concerns about the treatment of Indians deported from the United States.
Several Tamil Nadu MPs, including DMK MP Kanimozhi, protested at the Parliament premises, holding banners and raising slogans demanding the repatriation of 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan forces.
“Justice has to be done. Boats which have been captured, we want that to be released. We want the Union government to speak to the Sri Lankan government and find a permanent solution for this,” Kanimozhi stated.
Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore, moved an adjournment motion, demanding an immediate statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the alleged “inhumane treatment” of Indian nationals deported from the US.
“I rise to move an adjournment motion in the House to address a deeply concerning issue regarding the treatment of Indian nationals, particularly those deported from the United States, and to question the position of our Government on the same,” the notice read.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also raised concerns over the issue, citing Pew Research 2022 data, which states that 675,000 undocumented Indian immigrants remain in the US, with 18,000 on the final deportation list.
“When all these people return, it will impact remittances as well. The government must also address what it will do for them,” Owaisi told reporters outside Parliament.
Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP Over Maha Kumbh Fire
Outside Parliament, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav took aim at the Uttar Pradesh government over a fire that broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela Kshetra earlier in the day.
“Sachchai yeh hai ki BJP ne Kumbh mein aag lagadi, Kumbh ki hi aag lagadi… (Truth is that BJP has set Kumbh on fire),” Yadav remarked.
The fire burned down 20-22 tents, but no injuries or loss of life were reported. Authorities quickly contained the blaze.
Union Budget 2025 Highlights Bihar Development Projects
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025 speech, announced major infrastructure developments, including:
- Expansion of Patna Airport
- Four new greenfield airports
- Construction of a brownfield airport at Bihta
She also highlighted the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, which aims to benefit over 50,000 hectares of farmland in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region.
“Financial support will be provided for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, benefiting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar,” Sitharaman stated.
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, the government’s announcements and parliamentary debates signal heightened political activity leading up to the crucial months ahead.