New Delhi, Feb 6: The Lok Sabha will take up the general discussion on the union Budget for 2026–27 on Friday as part of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
The House will meet at 11 am to conduct government business, beginning with Question Hour. Meanwhile, Congress MP and Public Accounts Committee Chairperson KC Venugopal has raised objections over the manner in which the debate on the Motion of Thanks was concluded in the Lok Sabha on February 5, alleging “serious procedural irregularities” and violations of parliamentary rules.
The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address on February 5, 2026, without Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the customary reply.
The session was marked by repeated disruptions and protests by opposition members, particularly Congress MPs, leading to multiple adjournments of the House and the Prime Minister’s absence during the proceedings. The motion was eventually adopted by a voice vote amid continued uproar.
In a letter to the Speaker, Venugopal said that “as per Rule 20 of the Rules, it is mandatory for the Hon’ble Prime Minister to explain the position of the Government at the end of the discussion on the Motion of Thanks.” He added that “in the present case, neither did the Hon’ble Prime Minister reply to the debate nor was the House informed about his inability to do so,” which, he said, “clearly amounts to a violation of the provisions of Rule 20.”
Highlighting established parliamentary practice, Venugopal wrote that “a debate is normally concluded with the reply of the concerned Minister,” and that in exceptional circumstances, “a motion under Rule 362 is required to be moved by a Member” to close the debate without such a reply.
He further pointed out that “no such motion under Rule 362 was moved” and alleged that “at around 12 o’clock, the Motion of Thanks was abruptly put before the House, thereby bringing the debate to a close without following the prescribed procedure.” He said this action “constitutes a violation of Rule 362.”
Venugopal urged the Speaker to “kindly inform the House about the authenticity of the procedure followed” with regard to the Prime Minister’s reply under Rule 20 and the closure of the debate on the Motion of Thanks under Rule 362.
Several union Ministers, including those from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Law and Justice, External Affairs, Defence, and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, are scheduled to lay papers on the table.
From 3.30 pm onwards, the Lok Sabha will take up Private Members’ Business. A number of Private Members’ Bills are listed for introduction, including Constitution Amendment Bills and proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act. Other Bills pertain to the welfare of farmers, fishermen, students, senior citizens, women, and workers, as well as issues related to education, healthcare, the environment, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, labour reforms, and social security.
The Parliament session witnessed protests by opposition members, including Congress MPs, following a controversy over Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi not being permitted to quote from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane during a discussion on the 2020 China standoff.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. During his speech, the Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress, criticising a controversial “traitor” remark made against BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Referring to the Congress leadership, Prime Minister Modi said the comment reflected the party’s “arrogance at its peak” and described it as an insult to the Sikh community. He alleged that the remark was selectively directed at the BJP MP because of his Sikh identity, calling it an affront to Sikh Gurus and values.
The Budget Session comprises 30 sittings spread over 65 days and is scheduled to conclude on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.
Budget Session: Lok Sabha to hold discussion on union Budget 2026–27
