Union Budget 2026 session to begin today with President Droupadi Murmu's address

The Economic Survey will be tabled on January 29, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 on February 1. Compiled by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser, the Survey will assess economic performance and key indicators for 2025–26 (April–March), while outlining prospects for the coming fiscal year.

The session is scheduled for 30 sittings spread over 65 days and will conclude on April 2. Lawmakers will break for a recess on February 13 and return on March 9, allowing Standing Committees to scrutinise Demands for Grants across ministries and departments.

Budget debate, Motion of Thanks to dominate first phase

In its opening phase, the session will largely focus on budget-related business and the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. The latter half is expected to take up crucial legislative and other parliamentary matters.

Opposition flags jobs, MGNREGA, SIR and state issues

An all-party meeting held on Tuesday to chart the course of the session was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Leaders from across parties shared their priorities and assured cooperation for smooth proceedings.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore said his party would foreground public-interest issues, including alleged vote theft, SIR, paddy procurement and the restoration of MGNREGA-related concerns, reported ANI.

Ahead of the session, several leaders arrived in the capital. Union Minister of State George Kurian was seen arriving at Delhi’s IGI Airport early Wednesday. Others who reached Delhi to attend the session included Ramdas Athawale, NCP MP Supriya Sule, and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, reported ANI.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra said his party flagged Odisha-specific issues at the meeting, citing farmer distress due to stalled paddy procurement, law-and-order concerns, pending coal royalty revisions, connectivity gaps and rising unemployment, reported ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said members highlighted issues such as pollution, SIR and growing joblessness, reported ANI.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal expressed hope for equitable allocations in the Union Budget, calling for correction of past Finance Commission decisions that, he said, had adversely impacted the state. He also urged the Centre to extend fair and transparent support to all states, reported ANI.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticised the government’s handling of foreign policy and raised concerns over alleged voter deletions linked to SIR, reported ANI.

Government seeks cooperation, legislative agenda on cards

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed for cooperation from all parties, saying the government was open to discussing issues in accordance with parliamentary rules. He noted that debates would initially centre on the Budget and the Motion of Thanks, adding that the government welcomed constructive suggestions, reported ANI.

The Centre is also expected to advance its legislative agenda during the session, including consideration of bills pending in both Houses.

(With inputs from ANI)