End of deadlock: Lok Sabha takes up union budget discussion

After days of standoff, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday not only resumed discussion on the Union Budget but also witnessed some of the most intense exchanges of the session so far, as the opposition and government traded sharp political barbs.

The Budget debate had been stalled for days over opposition demands to allow Rahul Gandhi to speak. That impasse ended on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, the 11th day of the Budget session , the House took up substantive debate that saw fiery criticism, particularly over a recent India-US interim trade deal .

During his speech in the Lower House, Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the Centre’s economic and foreign policy. He accused the government of compromising national interests, saying the trade deal had “hurt our farmers,” “undermined energy security,” and “weakened India’s negotiating leverage” , even asserting, “ You have sold India… you have sold our mother, Bharat Mata ,” in reference to the agreement. Gandhi also highlighted concerns over rising US tariffs , the absence of data localisation safeguards , and strategic autonomy, warning that India’s energy and digital interests were at risk . He further argued that an alternative INDIA bloc government would have negotiated from a position of equality, protecting India’s interests on energy, data, and farmers.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ministers hit back strongly. BJP leaders criticised Gandhi’s speech as “non‑parliamentary” and compared parts of it to street‑level rhetoric, calling it inappropriate for the House. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded directly to Gandhi’s “selling India” remarks, saying such allegations were baseless and misleading, asserting that no one can sell or buy India . Rijiju has also announced plans to move a breach of privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi, alleging that some remarks during the debate misled the House. Gandhi has been asked to provide a response by a stipulated deadline, failing which the motion could be formally tabled.

Amid the exchanges, Budget debate continued with participation from multiple parties. Government officials including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised positive elements of the Budget, such as boosting labour‑intensive sectors and biopharma to drive growth and create jobs. The Business Advisory Committee has allocated 18 hours for the full debate, with Minister Sitharaman expected to formally reply to outstanding points later this week.