NEWS DESK GULISTAN NEWS TV
New Delhi, Jan 30: The 2025 Budget Session of Parliament is set to begin tomorrow with the customary address by President Droupadi Murmu. This marks the opening of what promises to be a highly charged session, as the government gears up to present its Union Budget for the upcoming financial year, and the opposition prepares to launch a sustained critique of the ruling party’s policies.
Focus on Economic Recovery, Fiscal Discipline
The central highlight of the session will be the Union Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is expected to outline the government’s economic strategy for the next fiscal year. With a focus on economic recovery post-pandemic and addressing key concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and slow economic growth, the Budget is likely to include proposals aimed at stimulating investment, boosting infrastructure, and offering relief to vulnerable sections of society.
The ruling government, which is anticipating a tough year ahead with state elections and national polls around the corner, is likely to emphasize populist measures aimed at increasing their appeal among the electorate, including potential tax cuts or direct benefit transfers.
Opposition’s Strategy for the Session
However, the opposition parties are bracing for a tough battle. Senior leaders from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), and other regional parties have been meeting over the past week to strategize their response. The opposition has already accused the government of being out of touch with the realities faced by the common people, pointing to the rising cost of living, soaring unemployment, and the economic burden on the middle class.
The opposition is expected to focus its attack on the government’s fiscal management, specifically questioning the growth of the fiscal deficit, rising inflation, and the government’s handling of critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. They will also demand more transparency in the allocation of funds for various social welfare schemes.
One of the major points of contention is expected to be the government’s handling of subsidies, which opposition leaders argue has disproportionately affected marginalized communities. Opposition parties have also accused the government of promoting corporate interests at the cost of the rural economy.
A Heated Debate on National and Regional Issues
In addition to the economic discussion, political analysts predict that the Budget Session will also serve as a platform for the opposition to raise issues of governance, federalism, and political autonomy. With elections looming in several states, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the opposition is expected to focus on the government’s approach to federal governance, citing the absence of a clear roadmap for resolving regional disparities.
The session will also be an opportunity for the opposition to continue its efforts to hold the government accountable for its handling of national security issues and its response to ongoing protests in various parts of the country. Key issues like the state of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir, the controversial farm laws, and the government’s handling of the defense sector will likely feature prominently in the discourse.
Government’s Response
The government has assured that the Budget will focus on sustainable economic growth, addressing poverty, and increasing employment opportunities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman have emphasized that the Budget will reflect the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises of inclusive development and social welfare.
Political Dynamics and Future Outlook
As the government and opposition prepare for what promises to be a contentious session, all eyes will be on the ability of Parliament to function smoothly amidst heightened political tensions. With key elections in sight, the Budget will be a pivotal moment for both sides to advance their respective agendas.
In what is expected to be a dynamic session, the government’s handling of this critical phase will likely have a lasting impact on its political fortunes, while opposition parties are determined to use the Budget as a stage to challenge the ruling administration on a variety of fronts.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow’s opening of the session will be followed by discussions on the President’s address, after which the Finance Minister will present the Budget. The session will also see the presentation of various Bills, debates on national issues, and scrutiny of government policies in the coming weeks.
The first week of the Budget session is expected to see a flurry of activity with speeches from political leaders across the spectrum. As the government aims to push its legislative agenda forward, the opposition will likely challenge every move, making the session a critical juncture for the political future of the country.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the Parliament, including the key debates, reactions from politicians, and expert opinions.