Parliament Budget Session 2026 Highlights: Opposition protests VB-G RAM G Act during President's address; govt slams conduct, seeks apology

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Opposition members on Wednesday protested against the VB-G RAM G Act during President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament drawing strong condemnation from the government with Union minister J P Nadda demanding that they apologise for their conduct. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that the opposition members embarrassed the country with their conduct and also insulted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr B R Ambedkar, Birsa Munda, Bhupen Hazarika, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay by raising slogans during the president's address which paid tributes to them, remembering their contributions. "The way these people undermined the dignity of Parliament is highly condemnable. No amount of condemnation is enough. They should apologise to Parliament and the country," Nadda said.
 

The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government following President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, alleging that the speech was a “recycled ritual” cleared annually by the Cabinet and filled with repetitive claims lacking truth or accountability. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government repeatedly invokes the slogan of Viksit Bharat without spelling out clear goals, timelines or measurable outcomes, accusing it of substituting substance with rhetoric. In a post on X, Kharge alleged that while the government makes lofty claims on development, it has “mercilessly dismantled” MGNREGA, which guaranteed the Right to Work, depriving crores of workers of their primary source of livelihood. “What kind of Viksit Bharat is this, where the poor are denied the means to survive, and dignity is sacrificed for slogans?” he asked, reiterating the party’s charge that the government’s policies are anti-poor and pro-crony.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday described the address of President Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament as wide-ranging, forward-looking, and visionary. The address, he said, clearly articulated India's remarkable development journey while outlining a confident roadmap for the future. "The President’s address covered the full spectrum of national development, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive and people-centric growth that reaches every segment of society, and capturing our collective aspiration to build a strong, self-reliant, and inclusive Viksit Bharat," he posted on X.

The president addresses both the Houses assembled together on the first day of the first session of the year. If the president addresses the two Houses in Hindi, then the vice president, who is also Chair of the Rajya Sabha, reads out portions of the speech in English, or vice versa. In her address, President Murmu urged parliamentarians to stand united on the resolve for Viksit Bharat, campaign for swadeshi and national security, asserting that these were matters beyond all differences.

The President's address to the joint sitting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was tabled in the Upper House on Wednesday soon after its conclusion. After the House met for the first time during the Budget session, half an hour after the President's address, Secretary General P C Mody laid on the table a copy of the address.

After the obituary references, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan also informed the House that he has accepted the resignation of member Mausam B Noor. "I have to inform members that I had received a letter dated January 3, 2026 from Mausam B Noor, member representing the state of West Bengal, resigning her seat in the Rajya Sabha. I have accepted her resignation with effect from January 5, 2026," the chairman told the House.

Congress MP Ranjit Ranjan said that the party would oppose the VB G RAM G law until the BJP-ruled central government decides to withdraw it. 

"We are against the amendments made in MGNREGA... We will continue to oppose them until the government withdraws all of them. They have snatched away the right to work, and they are saying that what they have done is right... They are talking about farmers, but even today the farmers' MSP has not been doubled," she added. 

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed President Draupadi Murmu's speech, which commenced India's budget session. 

On an X post, Modi wrote, "The Budget Session of Parliament commenced today with Rashtrapati Ji’s inspiring address to both Houses. In our parliamentary traditions, this address has a special importance, as it spells out the policy direction and collective resolve that will guide our nation’s developmental journey in the coming months."

"Today’s address was comprehensive and insightful. It reflected India’s remarkable development journey in recent times while showing a clear direction for the future. The emphasis on building a Viksit Bharat was perfectly captured, reflecting our shared aspiration of building a strong and self-reliant nation. The address also covered a wide range of themes, highlighting sustained efforts by farmers, youth, the poor and the downtrodden. It reaffirmed our collective commitment to further speed up the Reform Express and the emphasis on innovation and good governance," he further added.

The Congress accused the government of pushing through changes to MGNREGA without adequate consultation. Terming the move a “bulldozed repeal,” party leaders said the employment guarantee law must be restored in its original form. They argued that weakening the scheme would hurt rural employment and social security.

The alleged repeal and dilution of MGNREGA has emerged as a key flashpoint in the Budget Session. Opposition parties are expected to intensify their campaign in the coming days. 

The Congress said opposition parties would use all democratic means to demand the restoration of MGNREGA. The party claimed the UPA-era employment scheme had been “bulldozed” and weakened. It added that protests during President Droupadi Murmu’s address were conducted in a dignified manner, reflecting the opposition’s commitment to constitutional and parliamentary norms.

Parliamentary sources confirmed that the Business Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow at 12:30 pm. The BAC plays a crucial role in deciding the agenda and time allocation for debates in the Lok Sabha. The meeting is expected to discuss the schedule for budget discussions and priority legislative business.

On the second day of the Budget Session 2026, attention will be shifted to planning the legislative and discussion calendar. Parliamentary affairs officials indicated that key meetings are being lined up to streamline debates and business in both Houses. The focus remains on ensuring smooth functioning as major budgetary and policy matters come up for discussion.

President Murmu said recent railway projects are strengthening national integration and economic access. From high-speed Vande Bharat services to new Rajdhani routes, she said infrastructure expansion is connecting remote regions with major cities. The President added that improved rail services are helping students, workers, and businesses across states.

Highlighting improved connectivity in the Northeast, President Murmu spoke about the direct rail link between Delhi and Aizawl. She said the flagging off of the Rajdhani Express marked a historic moment for Mizoram. When the train reached Aizawl for the first time, she said, the enthusiasm of locals reflected national pride and growing regional integration.

President Murmu said Indian Railways, which caters largely to the poor and middle-class population, is close to achieving complete electrification. She added that this milestone would improve efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower operational costs. The government, she said, remains committed to sustainable and affordable public transport.

Referring to the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train, President Murmu said the service marks a major step in railway modernisation. She noted that the train offers improved comfort and efficiency for long-distance travellers. The President said such initiatives are aimed at strengthening connectivity in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country.

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the recently launched Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Kamakhya in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal during her address to Parliament. She called it a significant achievement for Indian Railways and said the new-generation train reflects the government’s focus on modernising rail infrastructure and improving long-distance travel for passengers.

President Murmu quoted Rabindranath Tagore to underline the importance of self-reliance. She said true independence requires economic and social self-sufficiency. Highlighting Make in India, she noted that Indian-made products are now reaching global markets. The government, she said, is taking continuous and concrete steps to strengthen domestic manufacturing and innovation.

Continuing her address, President Murmu expressed confidence that Maoist violence would soon be eliminated. She said peace has returned to lakhs of citizens in previously affected regions. The government’s focus on development, rehabilitation, and security has helped restore trust among communities that were once trapped in cycles of fear and distrust.

President Murmu informed Parliament that decisive action against Maoist extremism has yielded results. She said earlier 126 districts faced fear and instability, affecting youth, tribals, and Dalits. Today, the problem is limited to eight districts, with only three severely affected. Around 2,000 people linked to Maoists have surrendered in the past year, she added.

Highlighting future defence preparedness, President Murmu said work is underway on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen India’s security system. She noted that the government is focused on modernising forces and improving strategic capabilities. The initiative aims to enhance surveillance, response mechanisms, and overall defence infrastructure in the face of evolving security challenges.

President Murmu said Operation Sindoor showcased the bravery of the Indian armed forces. She stated that terror hubs were destroyed using indigenous resources. Emphasising zero tolerance towards terrorism, she said the government’s response to attacks would remain strong and decisive. The President also mentioned keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance as part of the anti-terror strategy.

Referring to the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur, President Murmu said India must neither intimidate others nor live in fear. She stressed that a fearless mindset is essential for national security. The President said India has shown that strength can be exercised responsibly and wisely, setting an example through decisive and measured responses to security threats.

President Murmu highlighted the graduation of the first batch of women cadets from the NDA as a major milestone. She said this achievement has strengthened confidence in women’s leadership across sectors. The President added that the government’s progressive mindset has helped women advance in defence, administration, and public life, reinforcing their central role in India’s development journey.

Addressing Parliament during the Budget Session 2026, President Droupadi Murmu underlined the growing role of women in India’s progress. She said government policies have enabled women to move ahead in ambitious sectors. Citing the first batch of women cadets passing out from the National Defence Academy, she said it reflected the strength of ‘naari shakti’ in nation-building and empowerment.

President Draupadi Murmu, in her speech, noted that India has established itself as the second largest fish producing nation across the globe.

In her speech, Draupadi Murmu said that in the last decade, the Modi government has taken 25 crore people out of poverty. She further mentioned that the government has built 4 crore bucca houses in the country.

President Draupadi Murmu concluded her speech.

During her speech in the budget session, President Draupadi Murmu hailed Babasaheb Ambedkar for holding social justice up.

"Babasaheb Ambedkar always emphasised equality and social justice. Our Constitution too inspires us for the same. Every citizen of the country should get their full rights without any discrimination. My Government is committed to true social justice. As a result, in the last one decade, 25 crore citizens have come out of poverty. In the third tenure of the government, the drive to further empower the poor has been taken forward with a greater speed..."

(With inputs from ANI)

In her speech addressing the joint sitting in the Parliament, President Draupadi Murmu said that the VB-G RAM G law would ensure employment for 125 days. 

"For employment and development in rural areas, Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law has been formed. With this new reform, there will be 125 days of employment guarantees in villages."

(With inputs from ANI)

President Draupadi Murmu hailed the Narendra Modi government for ensuring social security for everyone's life through the welfare scheme. 

During her inaugural speech, the President said "My government is working for Dalits, the backwards, tribal community and everyone with complete sensitivenss. The vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is to have a positive impact on the lives of every citizen. At the beginning of 2014, social security schemes reached just 25 crore citizens. With the efforts of the government about 95 crore Indians have access to social security schemes now."

(With inputs from ANI)

The opposition MPs raised a huge uproar in the Indian Parliament as soon as President Murmu mentioned the VB G RAM G law. 

She said that the bill would ensure employment and would not encourage any corruption. The opposition MPs raised their dissents over that.

In her inaugural speech, President Draupadi Murmu said that India has strengthened every sector in the last 10 years. 

With the year 2026, our nation has entered the second stage of this century. For India, the end of the first 25 years of this century has been filled with several successes, proud achievements and extraordinary experiences. In the last 10-11 years, India has strengthened its foundation in every sector. This year is a major base for our journey towards Viksit Bharat."

Indian President Draupadi Murmu expressed her gratitude to address the joint session in Indian Parliament.

"I am delighted to be addressing this session of the Parliament. Last year was memorable as the festival of India's rapid progress and heritage...150 years of Vande Mataram is being celebrated across the country. The citizens are bowing before Bankim Chandra Chatterjee for this great inspiration. I congratulate all Parliamentarians that a special discussion was taken up in the Parliament for this," she said. 

(With inputs from ANI)

In her inaugural speech ahead of the budget session, President Draupadi Murmu hailed the Narendra Modi government for launching a set of welfare schemes which benefitted the lives of marginalised in the country. 

She spoke of how schemes like Ayushman Bharat and several others have benefited crores of Indians. 

In addition, she also hailed the Modi government for the infrastructural development like the launch of new Vande Bharat trains and running a corruption free government.

The footage of President Murmu's arrival in Parliament.

 

The session for the Union Budget 2026-27 begins in the Indian Parliament. 

At present, Draupadi Murmu is addressing both houses of the Parliament.

Ahead of the commencing of the Union Budget Session in Parliament, BJD MP Sasmit Patra said, "The Budget session is about to start soon. BJD hopes the upcoming Budget will strengthen the federal structure and help states like Odisha, which have many needs, including infrastructure, railways, and special funds. Infrastructural development should be included in the Budget and discussed in the Parliament session. A detailed discussion of farmers' welfare should take place during this session." 

With inputs from ANI.

The much-awaited Economic Survey for the 2026-27 Union Budget will be tabled tomorrow in the Indian Parliament.

Both houses of the Indian Parliament will pay homage to the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her longstanding political career and contribution to the political scenario of South Asia.

The opposition parties seek a discussion on the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and VB-G RAM G Bill. However, the government is not willing to entertain as Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju said that there is no reverse gear as these issues had been discussed during the winter session.

The opposition parties will meet around 10 am to chalk out a strategy for the upcoming budget session in the Indian Parliament.

On the first day of the budget session, President Draupadi Murmu to address the joint sitting in both houses of the Indian Parliament.