Budget Session: Anticipated Tensions Over Delimitation Dispute, Trump's Tariffs; Waqf Bill on Government’s Agenda

Synopsis

As the second leg of the Budget session resumes, tensions are expected to escalate between the Opposition and the Government over crucial issues such as EPIC numbers and the Waqf Bill. The DMK and TMC are poised to lead the charge against perceived injustices.

Key Takeaways

Second phase of Budget session begins on March 10.
Opposition to challenge the government on EPIC and delimitation.
DMK and TMC likely to lead the criticism.
Waqf Bill remains a priority for the government.
Political tensions anticipated over multiple issues.

New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) The second phase of the Budget session of Parliament is set to kick off on Monday, and it promises to be a tumultuous affair with both the Opposition and Government gearing up to outshine one another on various issues.

The Opposition aims to confront the Centre regarding concerns over Duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, the delimitation conflict, and the potential tariffs threat from the United States. Meanwhile, the government is poised to advance the contentious Waqf Bill through Parliament and is prepared to go the extra mile if necessary, according to sources.

The TMC and DMK are expected to spearhead the Opposition's offensive against the Centre, as these parties have expressed strong objections to the EPIC and alleged imposition of the Hindi language on Southern states.

The controversy surrounding EPIC arose after leaders from the Trinamool Congress alleged that voter lists were manipulated in Bengal to permit individuals from other states to vote in the TMC-governed region.

The Election Commission swiftly dismissed these allegations and clarified that while some EPIC numbers may appear similar, other details reveal significant differences in terms of constituency, polling booths, and demographic data.

Opposition parties remain unconvinced by the EC’s explanations regarding EPIC numbers and are expected to create a new uproar in the House over the matter. Both Congress and TMC are anticipated to jointly raise the issue in the House.

Another topic likely to resonate in the House includes delimitation and the three-language policy.

DMK MPs are expected to amplify their dissent on several matters, including delimitation and the three-language policy. While Congress has largely maintained a neutral stance, the DMK is likely to intensify its critique, claiming that the Centre’s actions are a ‘cruel’ attempt to impose Hindi on the state.

During a meeting of MPs led by DMK chief MK Stalin on Sunday, the party also adopted a resolution opposing the delimitation exercise, which it argues should be a focal point of discussion in Parliament starting Monday.

However, for the government, the passage of the Waqf Bill remains a top priority.

This concern was echoed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who recently stated that the bill aims to resolve numerous issues faced by the community and simplify their lives. The JPC report on the Waqf Bill was submitted during the first half of the Budget Session, amidst loud protests from the Opposition.

The initial segment of the Budget session of Parliament occurred from January 31 to February 13. The second phase of the Budget session will commence on Monday (March 10) and conclude on April 4.