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.