The second half of Parliament&rsquo;s Budget Session, beginning today, is expected to witness intense debates, with the Opposition set to challenge the government on multiple fronts, including delimitation, the three-language policy, the Waqf Bill, and US trade tariffs. The session will continue till April 4.
Key Highlights:
<ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Finance Bills &amp; Budget for Manipur: The government is expected to push for the passage of Finance bills, completing the budgetary process. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also present the budget for Manipur, currently under President&rsquo;s Rule.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Congress Strategy Meeting: Congress is set to hold a meeting to finalize its strategy for the session. The INDIA bloc parties are likely to coordinate with Congress on key issues.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Three-Language Policy Row: The Centre&rsquo;s push for a three-language policy has triggered a major controversy, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where Chief Minister MK Stalin is leading the opposition against it.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Delimitation Concerns: Southern states are protesting against potential delimitation, fearing a reduction in parliamentary seats due to successful population control efforts. They argue this could disproportionately benefit northern states.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Home Minister&rsquo;s Assurance: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reassured that no state will lose a single parliamentary seat, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s commitment to addressing concerns.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Waqf Amendment Bill Opposition: The government is keen on passing the Waqf Amendment Bill, which has already received cabinet approval. However, the Opposition is expected to strongly resist its passage through the House.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">EPIC Number Duplication Debate: Allegations of fake voters due to duplication in EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) numbers may also be raised in Parliament today.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">US-India Trade Tensions: The Opposition is likely to question India&rsquo;s decision to cut tariffs on US products, with concerns over its impact on Indian farmers and manufacturers.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Deportation Controversy: The treatment of illegal Indian immigrants deported from the US, including reports of them being shackled, is expected to be another point of contention.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Congress&rsquo;s Criticism: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has already raised concerns over the tariff cuts, questioning whether they compromise the interests of Indian farmers and industries.</li>
</ol>
With key economic and political issues on the table, the remainder of the Budget Session is set for high-voltage debates in the Parliament.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman —IANS

Govt to discuss finance bills, three-language policy, US trade tariffs and more

Budget Session 2.0 Begins in House Today

Govt to discuss finance bills, three-language policy, US trade tariffs and more

March 10, 2025 | 13:21 IST