Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were disrupted on Monday, with the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid a stand-off between the government and the Opposition, while the Rajya Sabha took up discussion on the Union Budget 2026–27.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned after repeated disruptions following Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s demand that he be allowed to speak before the discussion on the Union Budget commenced. Opposition members insisted that the LoP should be given an opportunity to address the House, leading to a stalemate with the treasury benches.
According to Congress sources, Opposition parties are also exploring the possibility of moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. However, no formal notice has been submitted so far.
Budget discussion split across Houses
While the Lok Sabha remained stalled, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with its scheduled discussion on the Union Budget 2026–27. The Budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, and formal discussions in both Houses are scheduled to continue on Monday, February 9.
The government has maintained that adequate opportunities will be provided for debate as per parliamentary procedure, while Opposition parties have accused the Chair of not allowing the Leader of Opposition to speak on multiple occasions.
Background of continued disruptions
The developments follow a turbulent previous week in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address by a voice vote without Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering his customary reply. This occurred amid sustained protests by Opposition members over the Indo-U.S. trade deal and allegations that the Chair did not permit Rahul Gandhi to speak during the debate.
Speaker Om Birla had stated on Thursday, February 5, that he had advised the Prime Minister not to come to the House to respond to the Motion of Thanks. He said the decision was taken after receiving what he described as “concrete information” that some Congress Members of Parliament could carry out an “unexpected act” of protest at the Prime Minister’s seat.
The Opposition rejected the Speaker’s assertion and continued its protests, leading to repeated adjournments.
What lies ahead
Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to reconvene on Monday to resume discussions on the Union Budget 2026–27. With tensions between the government and the Opposition remaining high, the smooth conduct of proceedings is expected to depend on whether consensus can be reached on demands related to speaking time and parliamentary decorum.
