The Budget Session 2026 LIVE coverage marks a significant phase in India’s parliamentary calendar as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings today resumed amid heightened political activity and strong reactions to the recently presented Union Budget 2026. The session gained momentum on Monday as Parliament reconvened to take up the Motion of Thanks debate on the President’s Address, delivered by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of Parliament on January 28.

This phase of the Parliament Budget Session 2026 comes just a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, an unprecedented milestone that has already sparked intense discussion across political parties, state governments, and policy circles. The Budget, positioned as being driven by Yuvashakti and anchored in three kartavyas, has become the central backdrop against which the Motion of Thanks is being debated.

Parliament reconvenes amid Budget focus

As per the official schedule, both Houses reconvened at 11 am, beginning the day with the Question Hour, followed by the commencement of the President Address Motion of Thanks. The Government has allocated a total of 18 hours for this debate in the Lok Sabha, spread across three days – February 2, 3, and 4. This structured allocation reflects the importance attached to parliamentary scrutiny of the government’s policy direction outlined in the President’s Address.

In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal formally moved the motion, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya seconding it. From the Opposition benches, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was listed as the first speaker, a move that set the tone for a politically charged debate. In the Rajya Sabha, the motion was moved by BJP MP C Sadanandan Master and seconded by Medha Vishram Kulkarni, ensuring parallel discussions in both Houses.

Political significance of the Motion of Thanks

The Motion of Thanks debate is not merely a procedural formality. It provides a platform for Members of Parliament to discuss, critique, and endorse the broad policy vision of the government as articulated in the President’s Address. Traditionally, this debate allows the Opposition to flag concerns, question priorities, and challenge the government’s narrative, while the ruling party uses the opportunity to defend its governance record and future roadmap.

During the Budget Session 2026 LIVE, this debate assumes added significance because it closely follows the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 latest news, allowing MPs to directly link fiscal proposals with policy intent. As a result, much of the discussion has revolved around economic growth, employment generation, federal concerns, and sectoral allocations.

Government’s defence of Union Budget 2026

Senior leaders from the ruling alliance have strongly defended the Budget. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Opposition’s criticism stems from a “negative mindset” and argued that the global community is closely watching India’s economic direction. According to him, the Budget lays the foundation for a self-reliant India, promotes Vocal for Local, and aims to create employment opportunities across households.

Government representatives have highlighted key proposals such as the expansion of IITs and IIMs, reduction in prices of life-saving medicines, approval of high-speed rail projects, and investments in national waterways. These measures, they argue, underline the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, sustainable transport, and long-term economic resilience.

Opposition reactions and criticism

On the other hand, Opposition parties have used the opening day of the Lok Sabha Budget Session LIVE to express sharp dissatisfaction. Several leaders termed the Budget as “disappointing”, “not forward-looking”, and “anti-poor”. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised the lack of major benefits for his state, while Kerala Opposition MPs staged protests, calling it an “anti-Kerala Budget”.

Leaders from parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, and AAP raised concerns over rural development, social welfare schemes, and alleged centralisation of funds. Statements from MPs like Ram Gopal Yadav, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, and Manish Tewari reflected broader apprehensions about inclusivity, transparency, and international implications of customs duty changes.

Rahul Gandhi’s role in the debate

As the first Opposition speaker, Rahul Gandhi’s Motion of Thanks speech is being closely watched. His intervention is expected to set the narrative for the Opposition’s collective response over the next three days. Political observers see this as an opportunity for the Congress to consolidate its critique of the government’s economic priorities while addressing issues such as unemployment, price rise, and regional disparities.

The government, meanwhile, has indicated that around 4–6 BJP speakers will participate each day, proportionate to the ruling alliance’s share of time. This structured participation is aimed at systematically responding to Opposition allegations while reinforcing the Budget’s objectives.

Protests and notices during the session

The Rajya Sabha proceedings today and Lok Sabha also witnessed protests and notices on diverse issues. RJD leaders protested over demands related to Bihar, while AAP MP Sanjay Singh sought a discussion on redevelopment activities at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, citing heritage concerns. Additionally, Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion seeking discussion on international reports, adding to the session’s intensity.

Such parallel developments underline how the Budget Session often becomes a convergence point for multiple political and regional मुद्दे, beyond fiscal policy alone.

Schedule ahead and PM Modi’s reply

According to the Business Advisory Committee, the discussion on the Motion of Thanks will conclude on February 4, when PM Modi Budget Session reply is scheduled. The Prime Minister’s response is traditionally seen as the final and most comprehensive articulation of the government’s stance, addressing points raised by both allies and critics.

Following this, the Lok Sabha will hold a general discussion on the Union Budget from February 5 onwards, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to reply later in February. The overall Parliament Budget Session 2026 is set to run until April 2, with a mid-session recess allowing Standing Committees to examine Demands for Grants.

Broader implications of Budget Session 2026

The unfolding events during the Budget Session 2026 LIVE reflect the dynamic interplay between governance and opposition in a parliamentary democracy. While the government projects the Budget as a blueprint for Viksit Bharat, the Opposition’s sharp critique ensures that alternative perspectives are placed on record.

For citizens, investors, and policymakers, these debates provide valuable insights into how fiscal priorities translate into legislative intent and political accountability. As discussions continue over the next few days, attention will remain firmly on the Motion of Thanks debate, the responses it generates, and the policy clarifications that emerge.

In essence, the opening day of the Parliament Budget Session 2026 has set a decisive tone—one marked by structured debate, political contestation, and a clear focus on the economic direction of the country. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to respond and further discussions lined up, the session is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Union Budget 2026 and the government’s roadmap for the coming year.

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