The Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill 2026 following several adjournments triggered by protests from Opposition members. The Bill authorises the government to withdraw additional funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet expenditure for the financial year 2025–26.
The passage of the Bill came after the House approved the Supplementary Demands for Grants through a voice vote. These demands allow the government to seek additional financial allocations beyond the budget estimates for the ongoing financial year.
During the discussion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of an Economic Stabilisation Fund worth ₹1 lakh crore. The fund is intended to provide fiscal flexibility and enable the government to respond to global economic challenges that may affect the Indian economy.
According to the Finance Minister, the proposed fund will create fiscal space that can be used if global developments place pressure on economic stability. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the government’s capacity to manage economic risks arising from international developments.
Meanwhile, members of the Opposition coalition submitted a notice in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice marks the first time such a proposal has been submitted in Parliament against a sitting Chief Election Commissioner.
The notice was signed by 130 Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha and 63 members from the Rajya Sabha. It lists several allegations related to the conduct of the Chief Election Commissioner during his tenure.
The charges mentioned in the notice include claims of partisan conduct, discriminatory actions in office, obstruction of investigations related to electoral irregularities, and allegations of disenfranchisement of voters. The proposal seeks parliamentary consideration of these claims under the constitutional process governing the removal of an Election Commissioner.
Separately, the Lok Sabha also witnessed a heated exchange during the discussion on the supplementary demands for grants. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised allegations concerning Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his speech in the House.
The remarks led to a confrontation between Mr. Gandhi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, resulting in disruptions during the proceedings. The exchange contributed to repeated interruptions in the House before legislative business resumed.
Despite the disruptions, the government was able to complete the passage of the Appropriation Bill, allowing the authorised funds to be withdrawn for government expenditure for the financial year 2025–26.
The developments reflect continuing political disagreements between the government and Opposition parties during the current parliamentary session, with debates focusing on financial legislation as well as institutional issues raised by Opposition members.
