The Parliament Budget Session 2026 commenced today, January 28, and is scheduled to continue until April 2, with a recess between February 13 and March 9. The session began with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both houses of Parliament.

Ahead of the session, opposition parties have voiced their intent to raise concerns regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. These issues were discussed at an all-party meeting held on Tuesday. However, the government has signaled its reluctance to engage in discussions on the replacement of MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and the SIR. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government cannot "reverse gear" on legislation already passed by Parliament.

The opposition has criticized the government for not circulating the tentative legislative agenda in advance of the session. Despite this, the government has assured members that the list of government business will be shared after the President's address.

Several opposition leaders have voiced their concerns. Congress leaders stated that they would press for a debate on the dilution and proposed overhaul of MGNREGA. The Trinamool Congress raised concerns about procedural flaws in the SIR exercise in West Bengal, while the CPI(M) demanded structured discussions.

The Budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. Discussions on the Motion of Thanks are scheduled for February 2 and 3, with budget discussions on February 4 and 5.