New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, responding to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on the fourth day of the Budget Session of Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes NDA Government
This comes a day after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered a speech in the Lower House, strongly criticizing the NDA-led central government. Gandhi argued that the ‘Make in India’ initiative had failed to boost the manufacturing sector, claiming that its share in GDP had declined from 15.3% in 2014 to 12.6%, marking the lowest level in the last 60 years.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for a caste census, stating that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze caste-related data could open new possibilities for policymaking.
Kiren Rijiju Calls for Rahul Gandhi’s Apology
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned Rahul Gandhi’s speech, demanding an apology. Rijiju pointed out that during the speech, the Lok Sabha Speaker asked Gandhi four times to provide evidence for his claims, yet he failed to do so and left the House.
“When the Leader of Opposition (Rahul Gandhi) was speaking today, the Speaker asked him four times to authenticate his claims. But he spoke and left. The LoP is a responsible position, and statements must be made thoughtfully. If we ignore this, future LoPs might feel free to make baseless claims and exit. He should either authenticate his statements or the Chair should take action,” said Rijiju.
Opposition Uproar in Parliament
Day 3 of the Budget Session also witnessed protests from opposition MPs during Question Hour, as they demanded a discussion on the Maha Kumbh stampede. Several MPs eventually walked out of the House in protest.
Key Reports Presented in Parliament
The session also included the presentation of several significant reports:
🔹 Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam submitted the 360th report on the government’s action related to the Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) under the Department of Youth Affairs.
🔹 He also tabled the 361st report, which reviews education standards, accreditation processes, research, examination reforms, and the academic environment in deemed universities and higher education institutions.
🔹 Lok Sabha MP Iqra Choudhary presented the 158th report on the government’s measures regarding mental health care and its management, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Budget Session Timeline
The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 31, with President Droupadi Murmu delivering a joint address to both Houses.
🔹 The first phase of the session will continue until February 13.
🔹 The second phase will resume on March 10, following a recess.
🔹 The session is scheduled to conclude on April 4.
With PM Modi’s response set for Tuesday, the political debate in Parliament is expected to escalate further.