The Budget Session of Parliament concluded on Saturday after a stormy run marked by repeated disruptions, political confrontations and the defeat of a key Constitution amendment Bill on women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha.
Both Houses were adjourned sine die within minutes on the final day, with no business taken up during the special sitting convened to consider the women’s quota legislation. The session, which began on January 28, was extended by three days to deliberate on the Bill.
Quota Bill falls short by 54 votes in LS
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and an increase in Lok Sabha strength to 816 seats, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. While 298 MPs voted in favour, 230 opposed it, falling short of the 352 votes needed. This marked the first instance during the current NDA government that a Constitution amendment Bill was defeated in Parliament.
Budget passed, key Bills cleared
Parliament passed the Union Budget for 2026–27 along with demands for grants and supplementary grants. Key legislations cleared included the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill to designate Amaravati as the state capital. The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill was referred to a parliamentary committee.
Also read: PM blames Oppn for derailing women’s reservation bill
31 sittings, over 151 hours in Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha held 31 sittings spanning over 151 hours and 42 minutes, recording 93 per cent productivity, while the Rajya Sabha functioned for nearly 158 hours with around 110 per cent productivity. Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan described the session as significant in shaping the country’s growth trajectory.
Eight MPs suspended, later reinstated
The session saw sharp exchanges between treasury and Opposition benches, with repeated protests and walkouts. Eight Opposition MPs, seven from the Congress and one from CPI(M), were suspended during the first phase following disruptions, though the suspensions were later revoked.
Notices against CEC, Speaker mark firsts
In an unprecedented move, the Opposition gave notice seeking removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, which was rejected. A motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also defeated on the floor. Meanwhile, Harivansh was re-elected Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Session ends with Vande Mataram rendition
The session concluded with the rendition of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram in Parliament, in line with the government’s directive for official functions.
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