Parliament Budget Session 2025 Live: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha to meet on February 13

Parliament Budget Session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha to meet on February 13

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will reconvene on February 13 after a one-day break on February 12 in observance of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.

Parliament Budget Session: RSP MP NK Premachandran criticizes finance minister

Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran criticized finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s response, calling it "totally disappointing."

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "Most of the issues we raised were left unanswered, and her statement regarding allocations to states is factually incorrect. She keeps claiming that allocations are increasing, which is true, but in proportion to the gross tax revenue, they are actually declining. Although the Finance Commission has allocated 41 percent of the divisible pool to states, they are receiving only 33 percent."

Earlier, Sitharaman defended the government's capital budget allocations, asserting that nearly all borrowed resources are being utilized for effective capital expenditure.

Parliament Budget Session: DMK MP Kanimozhi slams finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman

DMK MP Kanimozhi criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday for not addressing crucial issues during the Lok Sabha debate on the Union Budget. She accused the minister of delivering a politically charged response instead of answering important questions raised by MPs. Speaking to ANI, Kanimozhi remarked, "I don’t think she actually responded to the discussion in Parliament. Many significant questions were raised, but the Finance Minister focused on targeting specific state governments and making political statements rather than addressing key concerns."

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the government had not allocated any funds for the Maha Kumbh, an event occurring after 144 years.

'Don't know which planet she is living on': Priyanka Gandhi on Sitharaman's 'no inflation' remark

On Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's reply to Budget speech in Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I don't know which planet she is living on? She said there is no inflation, unemployment, or rise in prices."

Parliament Budget Session: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman slams TMC

Parliament Budget Session: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman slams TMC in Lok Sabha

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday slammed Trinamool Congress (TMC) in her reply to the Union Budget debated in Lok Sabha. She said that TMC stands grassroot but lately the party has become synonym to corruption.

Parliament Budget Session: 'Various global and domestic factors are influencing the value of rupee against the US dollar,' says FM Sitharaman

On the weakening of rupee against US dollar, Sitharaman said various global and domestic factors are influencing the value of rupee against the US dollar. The Indian rupee has depreciated 3.3 per cent against the US dollar between October 2024 and January 2025, but the decline has been lower than that in some of its Asian peers.

South Korean Won and Indonesian Rupiah depreciated by 8.1 per cent and 6.9 per cent, respectively in this period. Further, all G-10 currencies also depreciated during this period by more than 6 per cent with Euro and British Pound depreciating by 6.7 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively.

Parliament Budget Session: 'Budget more challenging than ever before,' says Sitharaman

"World's scenario in last 10 years turned 180 degrees; making Budget is more challenging than ever before. Various global, domestic factors influenced value of rupee against US dollar," said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Parliament Budget Session: 'The government intends to use about 99% of borrowed resources to finance effective capital expenditure in the upcoming year,' says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

"The government intends to use about 99% of borrowed resources to finance effective capital expenditure in the upcoming year (2025-26). The sectoral outlays in the year 2025-26 include agriculture which gets Rs 1.71 lakh crore, rural development which gets 2.67 lakh crore, urban development and transport gets Rs 6.45 lakh crore, health and education get Rs 2.27 lakh crore, defence (which excludes defence pension) gets Rs 4.92 lakh crore. I just want to highlight the fact that money is not being denied to any of the capital expenditure accounts," said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Parliament Budget Session: 'We ideally have a situation which should encourage free trade,' says FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha

"There is a continuation of global conflict in the Middle East, Russia-Ukraine War continues, stagnation in global GDP and sticky inflation in the emerging markets are all vitiate the atmosphere in the entire developing economies. We ideally have a situation which should encourage free trade, we are seeing no restriction, where we very strongly vouch for globalisation, we see lot more fragmentation, where we need fiscal prudence, we are seen rising debts," said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Parliament Budget Session: 'This Budget has come at a time of immense uncertainties,' says finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her reply to the Union Budget debate in Lok Sabha

"I am very grateful that members have chosen to get into the details of the Budget. This Budget has come at a time of immense uncertainties, and the change in global macroeconomic environment makes it challenging. So, if there are challenges which have actually made the Budget preparation with a lot more uncertainties, I have to at least put in front of the august House, that there are issues which are of global concern, which also have an impact on our own Budget making," said Sitharaman.

Parliament Budget Session: 'Govt using 99 pc borrowings for capital expenditure,' says FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha

"Budget balances national development necessities with fiscal priorities. Govt using 99 pc borrowings for capital expenditure, which is 4.3 pc of GDP," said Sitharaman.

Parliament Budget Session: 'The opposition never plays the role of positive opposition,' says BJP MP Madan Rathore

"The opposition never plays the role of a positive opposition. They only create ruckus and raise the issue of the Constitution without any information. This is not right," said Rathore.

Parliament Budget Session: 'Some people have started treating Punjab as their personal ATM,' says RS MP Swati Maliwal

"Some people have started treating Punjab as their personal ATM. Today, massive corruption is rampant in Punjab. There is blatant sand mining at different places, corruption is there in transfer postings... People of Punjab and several MLAs are angry on this. Arvind Kejriwal has appointed his goon Bibhav Kumar as the chief advisor of Punjab CM... Ever since Arvind Kejriwal has faced defeat in Delhi, he is planning to go to Punjab to keep his politics alive," said Maliwal.

Parliament Budget Session: 'No-confidence motion moved by Congress made him to resign,' Congress MP KC Venugopal on N Biren Singh stepping down as Manipur CM

"For the last 20 months, Manipur is burning. Everybody has been requesting Union Govt to take action against the CM, take action to bring peace in Manipur, but the govt didn't listen to anybody. Now at last, because of the no-confidence motion moved by the Congress made him to resign," said Venugopal.

Parliament Budget Session: 'We will be demanding there should be strict guidelines,' BJD MP Sasmit Patra on the controversial comment by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia

"I am a member of the standing committee, we will be raising this issue. We will be demanding there should be strict guidelines and punitive action should be taken to make sure any random person should not be making such statements which are vulgar, cheap, and it is extremely condemnable," said Patra.

'This budget is a targeted budget, this budget is focused for those who are very rich, big people, industrialists. This budget is made for them. I do not see any roadmap in it to make India a developed nation and the roadmap is not visible because as soon as the budget came, we saw those pictures.': Akhilesh Yadav

'Like my partners in the opposition, I stand against the Union Budget': Akhilesh Yadav

The total length of the India-Bangladesh border is 4096.70 km. The States sharing a land border with Bangladesh are West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318 km).

Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman replies to the question asked by member during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha regarding GST classification and taxation

In Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske raises the issue of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s offensive comments, says the government should evolve guidelines for content on such programmes on social media

There is a delay in the construction of National Highway 66. It requires immediate attention from the National Highway Authority of India: Adoor Prakash in Lok Sabha

Kerala fishermen to join hartal against offshore sand mining, Congress MP urges Centre to withdraw order

Congress general secretary (Organisation) and Lok Sabha MP K C Venugopal has raised concerns over the impact of offshore sand mining on Kerala’s fishing community, stating that their livelihood is in danger.

"The offshore sand mining is creating further trouble for them. Fishermen in Kerala will be participating in the hartal against the Centre's decision to go ahead with offshore sand mining from three blocks off the Kerala coast. I urge the central government to withdraw this order immediately to save the fishing community," the MP said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomes Maldives Parliamentary Delegation led by Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives, Abdul Raheem Abdulla to witness the proceedings of the House

All questions raised in House are of national importance: Speaker to BJP's Rudy

All questions raised in the House are of "national importance," Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Tuesday after Rudy described his query on fisheries as one of national significance.

When Birla called upon Rudy to ask the first question during Question Hour, he noted that the BJP MP was getting a chance to speak after a long gap. As Rudy inquired about fishery development in Bihar, he asked Birla if he consumed fish. In response, Birla stated that he did not, as he was a vegetarian.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, while asking a supplementary question, recalled that JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, used to ask when he would be treated to Hilsa fish before becoming a minister.

Birla, however, urged Banerjee to stay focused on the question at hand.

Govt to continue 100% purchase of tur, masoor, urad for 4 years: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that the government will continue 100% procurement of tur, masoor, and urad for the next four years. He stated that this move aims to boost domestic production and reduce India's reliance on imports.

“100% purchase of tur, masoor, and urad will continue for the next four years. Domestic production will increase, and dependence on imports will reduce. India will become self-sufficient in pulses,” Chouhan said.

The announcement is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security and support farmers.

Parliament Budget Session: BJP MP raises question about Bihar fishermen in Lok Sabha

In the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy raised a question about the provisions being made for fishermen in Bihar, highlighting their importance and asking why they have not received incentives in recent years.

Responding to the query, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that India is now the second-largest fish producer in the world. He also mentioned that during the three-month fishing ban period, which allows for fish reproduction, the government provides financial assistance to fishermen. Under this scheme, a total of ₹4,500 is given, with ₹1,500 contributed each by the Centre, the state government, and the beneficiary.

Parliament Budget Session: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP criticises Ranveer Allahbadia, says offensive language in comedy unacceptable

Ranveer Allahbadia row: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi to raise issue in Parliament panel

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has criticised YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia over his remarks on the roast show India’s Got Latent, stating that offensive language under the guise of comedy is unacceptable.

Speaking on the controversy, Chaturvedi said, “Any abusive language in the name of comedy content crosses limits is not acceptable to the country... What level are we stooping to? You get a platform, that doesn't mean that you will utter anything. He is someone with millions of subscribers, every political has sat in his podcast. PM has given him an award... As a member of standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, I will raise this issue.”

In a post on X, she reiterated her stance, stating, “Any abusive language in the name of comedy content crosses limits is not acceptable. You get a platform, that doesn't mean that you will utter anything. He is someone with millions of subscribers, every political has sat in his podcast. PM has given him an award... As a member of standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, I will raise this issue.”

The controversy surrounding Allahbadia’s remarks continues to escalate, with growing calls for accountability from public figures and political leaders.

Parliament Budget Session: Congress MP Manickam Tagore moves adjournment motion in Lok Sabha over women’s safety in trains

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Tuesday gave notice to move a motion for the adjournment of the Business of the House in the Lok Sabha to discuss the issue of safety of women passengers in trains.
He cited a recent incident where a pregnant woman was allegedly thrown out of the Coimbatore-Tirupati Intercity Express train after resisting an rape attempt.

In his notice, Tagore said, "That this House do now adjourn to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the growing concern over the safety of women passengers in trains, as evidenced by the recent horrific incident of a pregnant woman being thrown out of the Coimbatore-Tirupati Intercity Express train after resisting an attempted rape, and to request the Railway Minister to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, particularly women, during their journey by train."

He asserted that the recent incident on the Coimbatore- Tirupati Intercity Express train is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of women passengers in trains. "The fact that the accused was a habitual offender and had been involved in similar cases in the past highlights the laxity of the railway authorities in ensuring the safety of passengers," the Congress MP said.

Manickam Tagore also mentioned that this is not an isolated incident as there have been numerous cases of harassment, molestation, and even rape of women passengers in trains across the country.

"Therefore, I request the Railway Minister to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, particularly women, during their journey by train. This includes increasing the number of women police personnel and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel in trains, installing CCTV cameras in all coaches, and providing emergency response systems for passengers to report any incidents of harassment or molestation," he demanded.

Notably, the budget session of parliament commenced on January 31 and, according to schedule, will end on April 4.

Congress MPs gives notice for adjournment motions in LS over price rise, Manipur crisis

Congress Lok Sabha MP Vijay Kumar alias Vijay Vasanth on Tuesday gave notice to move a motion for the adjournment of the Business of the House in the House seeking a discussion to control the price rise.
In his notice, Vijay Kumar said that the continuous rise in the prices of essential goods, especially milk, vegetables, cooking oils, und other daily-use items is affecting millions of ordinary citizens across India.

"The rising cost of living has become a significant burden for the common man, and despite the budget 2025 and ongoing policy discussions, the government has not implemented any concrete measures to control inflation or support the middle class and working-class families," he said.

The Congress MP specifically mentioned the rise in Milk prices, asserting that it is affecting the daily diet of millions of Indian households.

"Milk prices have been increasing every month in various parts of the country, with many states reporting price hikes of 5-10% over the last few months. This is particularly concerning as milk is an essential part of the daily diet of millions of Indian households. Despite the rise in prices, the government has failed to take any significant action to regulate or stabilize milk prices," Vijay said.

"This continuous rise in milk prices is pushing the cost of basic nutrition beyond the reach of many households, especially among low-income groups," he added.

On the other hand, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury also gave a notice for adjournment motion to discuss the constitutional crisis in Manipur.

Biren Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhawan here on Sunday nearly two years after the violence marred the state.

She said that a state in continuous turmoil for almost two years cannot be left without a Chief Minister or a caretaker one.

"The Manipur Legislative Assembly must conclude its current session today, as mandated by the Constitution. According to Article 174 (1) of the Constitution of India, that there cannot be more than a 6-month gap between the last sitting of an Assembly session and the first sitting of the next Assembly session. The Union Government must answer why is the Manipur Governor Violating Article 174(1) by not summoning the Manipur Legislative Assembly for its Constitutionally Mandated Assembly Session?" Renuka said in her notice.

"The session was declared null and void because a successor Chief Minister could not be appointed by the ruling party, for they were facing an imminent No-Confidence Motion by the Opposition," she added.

Rashid Engineer to attend Parliament after Delhi HC grants 2-day custody parole

North Kashmir Lok Sabha MP Rashid Engineer will attend the Budget Session of Parliament on Tuesday, following the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant him two days of custody parole. The court permitted his presence in the House on February 11 and 13, with tight police security.

Rashid, who remains lodged in Tihar Jail, secured a stunning victory in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency by defeating National Conference (NC) Vice President and now Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes. However, he is currently facing allegations in a terror funding case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Justice Vikas Mahajan’s Bench granted him custody parole while imposing strict conditions. As per the order, Rashid can only engage in parliamentary proceedings and is prohibited from interacting with anyone beyond this role or addressing the media.

On February 7, the Delhi HC had reserved its verdict on Rashid’s plea seeking interim bail or custody parole after hearing arguments from both his counsel and the NIA’s legal representatives.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the NIA, contended that custody parole is not a legislator's right and also raised security concerns. Rashid had approached the court seeking either interim bail or expedited proceedings on his regular bail application, which was still pending.

Previously, a lower court had referred Rashid’s case to the MP/MLA court following his election win, delaying a decision on his bail plea. Meanwhile, the Delhi HC sought clarification from its registry on which court should hear the case. The NIA opposed his interim bail plea, arguing its legal position before the court.

Last week, during a related hearing, the Registrar General’s counsel informed the HC that an application had been filed before the Supreme Court for clarification regarding the designation of the appropriate court to hear Rashid’s case. The issue is set to be mentioned before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for urgent listing.