Opposition Set to Challenge Government Over Delimitation, Language Policy, and US Trade Tariffs
March 10, 2025: New Delhi:
The second half of the Budget Session 2025 kicks off today, with expectations of intense parliamentary debates as the Opposition prepares to confront the government on several contentious issues. The session, which will run until April 4, will see discussions on delimitation, the three-language policy, the Waqf Amendment Bill, and US trade tariffs, among other critical topics.
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Key Developments to Watch:
- Finance Bills to be Passed
- The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is expected to present the budget for Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since last month.
- The Finance Bills, crucial for completing the budgetary process, will also be tabled.
- Congress and INDIA Bloc Strategy
- The Congress party is expected to hold a strategic meeting this morning to coordinate its response.
- The INDIA alliance parties are likely to collaborate with Congress to mount pressure on the government.
- Row Over Three-Language Policy
- The government’s push for a three-language policy in Southern states has sparked strong opposition, especially in Tamil Nadu, where Chief Minister MK Stalin is leading protests.
- Delimitation Concerns in the South
- Southern states fear delimitation could reduce their parliamentary seats due to successful population control measures, shifting political power toward northern states.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that no state will lose seats, citing PM Modi’s reassurance.
- Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Resistance
- The Opposition is set to challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill, which has already been cleared by the Cabinet and is scheduled for introduction during this session.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government’s intent to pass the Bill swiftly.
- Concerns Over Voter Data Manipulation
- Allegations over duplicate EPIC numbers and fake voter registrations may also be raised by the Opposition during the session.
- India-US Trade Disputes
- US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants in chains have raised concerns.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has questioned whether India’s move to cut tariffs on US goods could harm Indian farmers and manufacturers.
What to Expect Next?
With the government pushing for swift approval of key bills, and the Opposition determined to hold it accountable, this Budget Session 2.0 is set to be a politically charged event. How the government manages dissent on crucial issues will be key to its legislative success.
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Tags: Budget Session 2025, Indian Parliament, Finance Bill, Delimitation, Three-Language Policy, Waqf Amendment Bill, US Trade Tariffs, Opposition Protest
