The first sitting of the Budget Session will conclude on Thursday. This follows a dramatic adjournment motion by the Congress Party and the presentation of the JPC report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Income Tax Bill, 2025.

Opposition Walkout in Rajya Sabha

On Thursday, opposition leaders staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha. This came after the presentation of the JPC report on the Waqf Bill. The report triggered an uproar, with opposition members continuously sloganeering. Additionally, the report will also be presented in the Lok Sabha later in the day.

Opposition Calls for Reconsideration of the Report

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari called for a pause and reconsideration of the JPC report. He argued that the report had rejected all opposition suggestions. “The JPC has no purpose if it accepts all suggestions from the ruling party,” he said. In the same vein, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav stated, “We are united in opposing this bill. Some ruling party members might join us in this.”

Kiren Rijiju Defends the JPC Report

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the JPC report during his address in the Rajya Sabha. He reassured the House that there had been no deletions or removals from the report. “I have checked the concerns raised by the opposition. There is no issue with the report,” Rijiju explained. He further added, “All opposition members participated in the proceedings. Dissent notes are attached to the report.”

Congress Seeks Adjournment Motion

Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha. He called for a discussion on the relaxation of security protocols for the Khavda Renewable Energy Project in Gujarat. Tagore also demanded transparency regarding the award of the project to the Adani Group, bypassing military objections.

Protest Over Animal Attacks and Coastal Issues

In another development, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a protest in Parliament. The protest focused on issues such as animal attacks in Kerala and sand mining along the coast. Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the rising animal attacks in Wayanad, stating, “11 people have been killed since December 27. It is a very worrisome situation.”

Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Protests

The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm on Thursday due to protests over the Waqf Bill and the opposition’s concerns regarding the Khavda project. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at Parliament during this time.

Bills and Discussions Ahead

Looking ahead, the government has scheduled the introduction of a bill to amend and consolidate income tax laws in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. This bill is expected to be an important topic of discussion in the ongoing session.