Rahul Gandhi Addresses Lok Sabha on Budget Session 2026
New Delhi – The Lok Sabha witnessed a spirited address by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, during the ongoing Budget Session today. Gandhi's speech was part of the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, a customary parliamentary procedure following the President's address at the commencement of the session.
Gandhi opened his address by criticizing the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday. He argued that the budget is "blind to India's crises and refuses course correction". He listed several critical issues that he felt were ignored, including unemployment among the youth, declining manufacturing, investors withdrawing capital, plummeting household savings, distress among farmers, and looming global shocks.
He stated he would use the platform Parliament provided to share his views.
During the session, a ruckus erupted when Gandhi cited excerpts from a memoir by a former Army chief. Rajnath Singh, a member of the ruling party, challenged the authenticity of the source and requested Gandhi to provide verifiable evidence. The specific details of the cited memoir and the point of contention were not immediately clear, but the exchange highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the budget debate.
Gandhi's criticism aligns with the broader opposition's response to the budget. The Congress party has labeled the budget as "completely hollow," echoing Gandhi's sentiment that it fails to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget for 2026–27 on Sunday, marking her ninth straight budget presentation in Parliament. Sitharaman asserted that the budget is a roadmap of reforms and a vision for the second quarter of the 21st century. She emphasized the government's focus on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and "Yuvashakti". The budget proposes seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and the operationalization of 20 national waterways over the next five years.
The Budget session is scheduled to last for 65 days, spanning 30 sittings, and will conclude on April 2. There will be a recess from February 13 to March 9 to allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the discussion on February 4. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply on February 11.
Other discussions during the session included concerns about allocations for development in Telangana, with Anit Kumar Yadav, INC, expressing disappointment in the Union Budget 2026-27. Sushmita Dev, AITC, raised concerns about equal access to the judiciary, arguing that providing digital access to High Courts does not guarantee it for all.