Tensions Flare in Lok Sabha During Budget Discussions

As the general discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 was about to commence, Lok Sabha descended into chaos due to massive protests by opposition MPs . The session, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, was immediately disrupted as opposition members launched vociferous slogans against the government . Despite repeated appeals by Speaker Om Birla to maintain decorum and participate in the debate, MPs remained defiant. Within just five minutes, the House was adjourned until 12 noon. Even after resumption, the situation did not improve. MPs continued their protest, holding placards and approaching the Speaker’s podium. Consequently, Presiding Officer Krishna Kumar Tenneti announced that the session would be adjourned until 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9.

The opposition expressed their dissent not only inside the House but also at the Parliament premises, particularly near the Makara Gate . Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , along with several MPs, termed the India-US trade agreement a “trap deal.” They shouted slogans such as “Taanashahi nahi chalegi” (“Authoritarian rule will not work”) and “Jo uchit samjho wahi karo” (“Do what you think is right”), referring to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi targeting the Prime Minister.

The recent unrest in Parliament follows an incident last Wednesday, when Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi clashed with Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu near the Makara Gate. Rahul Gandhi reportedly called Bittu a “traitor,” triggering a heated exchange in which Bittu responded by calling Rahul a “national enemy.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned these remarks in the Rajya Sabha, criticising Congress’s ‘youth prince’ arrogance and noting that calling a Sikh representative a traitor was disrespectful to both the community and its spiritual leaders.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was denied permission to raise points from former Army Chief General M. M. Naravane ’s unpublished memoirs concerning the 2020 India-China border dispute . The opposition has expressed strong anger at being prevented from discussing these issues, alleging that the government is suppressing facts. Repeated controversies have led to successive adjournments of budget sessions.

In the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Modi delivered a lengthy response to the debate on the motion thanking the President. During his address, he strongly criticised the Congress party, particularly Rahul Gandhi. While condemning Rahul Gandhi’s “traitor” remark against Ravneet Singh Bittu, Modi stated that it reflected Congress arrogance and insulted the Sikh community and its leaders. He accused the opposition of being unable to accept facts, instead spreading hatred. During the Prime Minister’s speech, opposition MPs staged protests in the House, demanding discussion on the Adani issue , the India-US trade agreement, and the China border dispute. They described government policies as “authoritarian” and staged a walkout. Amid this disruption, Rajya Sabha proceedings were also adjourned until 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9.