Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized on Thursday that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) will decide the issues to be discussed during the Budget Session of Parliament. Rijiju’s remarks followed an all-party meeting attended by 52 leaders from 36 political parties, which he described as a “positive” gathering.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that several party leaders had raised various concerns and issues for discussion. However, it will be the responsibility of the Business Advisory Committee to determine which issues will be taken up for debate.
Regarding the opposition’s demand to discuss the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh that claimed 30 lives, Rijiju noted that the decision would ultimately lie with the BAC. He acknowledged that several significant issues had been raised, including the stampede, but refrained from confirming any specific agenda.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is a customary event that aims to inform political parties about the government’s legislative agenda and to gather input from them on issues they wish to address during the session.
Opposition to Raise Key Issues
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari stated that the opposition parties, under the INDIA alliance, have decided to collectively raise all significant issues during the Budget Session. Tiwari criticized the politicization of the Kumbh, claiming that VIP movements during the event were causing hardship to the common people. He also highlighted that the Congress would address concerns related to unemployment and the plight of farmers, which they plan to raise in the session.
The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on Friday, with a joint address by the President to both Houses. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1, with the first leg of the session concluding on February 13. The second leg will begin on March 10, and the session is scheduled to conclude on April 4.
