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The first phase of the Budget Session of Parliament concluded on Friday after nearly two weeks of stormy exchanges over the India–US interim trade arrangement and remarks linked to former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane’s memoir.

Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha adjourned for a three-week recess and will reconvene on March 9.

The Budget Session had commenced on January 28 with the President’s joint address to members of both Houses. Spread over 65 days with 30 sittings, the session is scheduled to conclude on April 2.

During the first phase, proceedings in both Houses witnessed repeated disruptions amid sharp political sparring over the contours of the proposed India–US trade deal and the debate triggered by observations in General Naravane’s memoir. Opposition parties pressed for detailed discussions, while the government defended its position on the trade engagement and other policy matters.

On Friday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned shortly after it assembled for the day. The Rajya Sabha too wrapped up its business before breaking for the recess.

The interlude will enable Department-related Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. Their reports will be taken up for discussion and voting once Parliament resumes next month.

With crucial financial business pending, including the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill, the second phase of the session is expected to witness detailed debates on budgetary allocations and policy priorities.

Parliament will reconvene at 11 am on March 9 to resume legislative business.

Centre to back Dubey’s motion against Rahul, drop own plan

The Centre on Friday said it would proceed with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s substantive motion against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and drop the separate privilege motion it had been considering.

Dubey has submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Secretariat seeking cancellation of Gandhi’s membership, accusing him of working with “anti-national forces” and making unsubstantiated remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others in the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government decided to step back as a private member had already moved a substantive motion. He added that discussions would be held with Speaker Om Birla on whether the notice should be referred to the Privileges or Ethics Committee, or taken up directly by the House.

Also read: Both Houses of Parliament adjourned, to reconvene on March 9

Gandhi has maintained he will continue to raise issues concerning farmers and citizens irrespective of any action initiated against him.

Rahul meets farm leaders, moots stir against Indo-US deal

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday met farm union leaders in the Parliament complex and discussed launching a nationwide movement against the proposed India-US interim trade deal, alleging it threatens farmers’ livelihoods.

Sharing a video on X, Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Narendra ‘surrender’ Modi has betrayed India's farmers,. and they understand this.” He termed the agreement “a direct attack on the livelihoods of our food providers” and argued that Indian cultivators were being exposed to heavily subsidised foreign produce.

Farm leaders conveyed concerns over the impact on growers of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits and nuts, and discussed plans for a large-scale national agitation. They described the pact as “anti-farmer” and alleged it amounted to a surrender before the United States.

Gandhi reiterated that he would continue to stand with farmers “no matter what action” the government initiates against him.