Lok Sabha Passes IBC Amendment Bill as Parliament Debates Maoism, Rupee, and Budget Session's Close

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill clears Lok Sabha amid heated exchanges over the falling rupee, left-wing extremism, and the looming end of the Budget Session 2026.

Parliament Passes Key Reform Bill

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, marking a significant legislative step aimed at streamlining India's debt resolution framework. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who introduced the bill on March 27, told the House that 40 members contributed to its discussion and that lessons drawn from nearly a decade of IBC implementation had shaped the amendments. The bill, earlier referred to a Select Committee, seeks to reduce procedural delays and improve outcomes for creditors, debtors, and the broader economy.

Rupee Row Stalls House

Before the bill sailed through, the opposition triggered an uproar over the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar — a flashpoint sharpened by the ongoing West Asia conflict and its disruptions to global trade. Sitharaman stood her ground, asserting that the rupee's performance compared favourably to other emerging market currencies. "The economy is strong, our fiscal deficit is under control, and foreign exchange reserves are healthy," she said, deflecting opposition charges of economic mismanagement.

IBC Was Never a Debt Tool

Responding to criticism that the IBC had effectively functioned as a recovery mechanism for banks rather than a resolution framework, Sitharaman was emphatic. "IBC never intended to be a debt recovery tool," she told the House, adding that the legislation had, over time, contributed to stronger credit ratings for companies that underwent resolution. She also highlighted special provisions under Sections 240A and 29AC of the amended code, which offer protections and exemptions specifically designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Naxal-Free India Debate Begins

The day's second major discussion centred on left-wing extremism, with Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde opening the floor debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah — who has repeatedly set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for eliminating Naxalism — was expected to address the House around 5 pm. Shinde noted that Maharashtra is actively working to make Gadchiroli, one of the last strongholds of Maoist activity, completely free of extremist influence. BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat underlined that Naxalism had long denied entire districts access to development and public welfare programmes.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs

The debate turned sharply partisan. BJP MP Sambit Patra charged that Congress had "romanticised Maoism" during its years in power. Party colleague Sudhanshu Trivedi went further, alleging that the National Advisory Council under the UPA government had openly sympathised with Maoists while criticising Central Armed Police Forces operations. He also claimed that former Home Minister P. Chidambaram had once urged Maoists to engage in peace talks without abandoning their ideology — contrasting that era with what he called the Modi government's unambiguous demand for ideological surrender before reintegration.

RJD MP Abhay Kumar Sinha countered that Maoism was a product of systemic exploitation of Dalits and other marginalised communities, and held the BJP responsible for job losses in Bihar linked to halted mining activity.

Modi Tops Global Leader Poll

Amid the political skirmishes, Sitharaman offered an unusual defence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing what she described as a recent international survey of presidents and prime ministers in which Modi ranked as the world's most popular leader. The claim, made in response to opposition questions about the PM's credibility, drew cheers from the treasury benches and scepticism from across the aisle.

Session May End Early

As the Budget Session approaches its final days, sources indicated that the government may adjourn proceedings before April 2, potentially cutting short the session ahead of upcoming state elections. The government is also not planning to introduce a constitutional amendment bill to advance women's reservation — a proposal to expand Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 while reserving 273 for women will not move forward in the current session, according to sources.

As Parliament readies to conclude the Budget Session 2026, the passage of the IBC Amendment Bill stands as one of its substantive legislative outcomes — even as debates on economic management, internal security, and political accountability continue to define the floor's character.

Sitharaman Tables Corporate Law Bill in Lok Sabha Session

Key Bills Introduced

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Corporate Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha on Monday. The bill proposes changes to the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, and Companies Act, 2013. Proceedings kicked off amid tight security in New Delhi.

Session Resumes Today

Lok Sabha reconvened after passing ministry grant demands via guillotine last week. Sources say opposition parties plan uproar over West Asia flare-up. US-Israel tensions with Iran threaten India's oil and gas supplies, reports indicate.

West Asia Shadows Debate

MPs from Congress and allies eye disruptions on energy crunch. War impacts could spike fuel prices nationwide. Officials note imports already strained, per latest trade data.

Rocky Session History

Budget Session started January 28 with President Droupadi Murmu's address. She highlighted Operation Sindoor and 150 Vande Bharat trains. Economic Survey followed on January 29, projecting 6.8-7.2% GDP growth for 2026-27.

Budget Presented February 1

Sitharaman unveiled Budget 2026-27 that day. Her 85-minute speech covered tax simplifications, railway expansions, and three new Ayurvedic AIIMS. No big relief for common citizens drew flak.

Uproar Dominates Early Days

February 3 saw Rahul Gandhi claim denial of speaking rights as Leader of Opposition. BJP's Nishikant Dubey waved books alleging Gandhi family corruption on February 4. Motion of Thanks passed sans PM speech on February 5—first since 2004.

Short Sittings, No-Confidence Bid

Lok Sabha ran just 13 minutes on February 9 amid demands for Gandhi's turn. Opposition filed no-confidence notice against Speaker Om Birla on February 10 with 118 signatures. Union Minister Bittu's jibe at Rahul triggered adjournments on February 6.

Recent Opposition Fire

Rahul Gandhi linked US Adani case to PM pressure tactics on February 11. Mallikarjun Kharge protested speech expunctions on February 13. First phase ended then, setting stormy tone.

Official Reactions Muted

Sitharaman's office confirmed bill tabling but skipped West Asia comments. Speaker's team dismissed no-confidence as procedural. Congress sources predict heated exchanges today.

Economic Stakes High

Amendments aim to ease business compliance, boost investments. Amid global conflicts, stable corporate laws signal continuity. Markets watch for passage amid disruptions.

Public Impact Looms

Oil shortages from West Asia could hit households hard. Inflation fears mount as India imports 85% energy needs. Rural Madhya Pradesh feels pinch early, traders say.

What's Ahead

Debate on Finance Bill expected soon. Opposition push on foreign policy may delay votes. Session runs till month-end, with Rajya Sabha synced. Watch for cross-party talks to avert washouts.

This Corporate Law Amendment Bill marks a key step in Lok Sabha Budget Session reforms. As India News Update unfolds, tensions blend domestic policy with global risks in this public interest story.

The last day of a session is always the most charged — and Chhattisgarh's Assembly is set for a fiery finish.

Today marks the final day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Budget Session 2026 in Raipur. With the session drawing to a close, the opposition is gearing up for one last all-out attempt to put the ruling BJP government on the back foot across multiple fronts — from pension policy to urban transport to alleged irregularities in a major religious development project. Meanwhile, the government is laser-focused on pushing through three significant pieces of legislation before the gavel falls.

Opposition's Agenda — Questions the Government Must Answer

Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant will open the attack during Question Hour, raising the issue of industries generating hazardous waste in the state — a matter with serious environmental and public health implications that has allegedly been inadequately addressed by the government.

MLA Punnulal Mohle will put the spotlight on the long-pending demand of government officers and employees seeking a switch from the New Pension Scheme (NPS) back to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) — a politically sensitive issue that has mobilised government employees across Chhattisgarh and the country. The government's response on this will be closely watched by lakhs of state employees.

MLA Harshita Swami Baghel will raise the matter of alleged irregularities in the construction of Shri Yantra Bhavan in Dongargarh under the central government's PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme — a project meant to develop one of Chhattisgarh's most prominent religious sites but now mired in questions of financial impropriety.

MLA Sunil Soni will draw Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw's attention to the failure to launch city bus services on new routes in Raipur — a basic urban infrastructure demand that has left commuters in the state capital without adequate public transport.

MLA Ramkumar Toppo will raise the issue of maintenance of Karma Ethnic Resort in Mainpat — a tourism asset that has drawn criticism for alleged neglect.

71 Attention Motions — A Government Under Fire on All Sides

Beyond the formal question hour, a total of 71 attention motions have been submitted for today's session — an unusually high number that reflects the breadth of grievances opposition MLAs wish to place on record on the session's last day. Among these, MLA Tuleshwar Markam will seek to draw the minister's attention to alleged irregularities by excise officials in the Raipur division.

Three Major Bills the Government Wants Passed Today

While the opposition is on the offensive, the ruling government has a clear legislative agenda for the day — getting three important bills through the House.

The first is the Chhattisgarh Cess (Amendment) Bill 2026, to be introduced by Commerce and Tax Minister O.P. Chaudhary. This amendment is expected to revise the state's cess framework with implications for trade and taxation.

The second — and perhaps the most significant — is the Chhattisgarh (Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Recruitment and Professional Examinations) Bill 2026, to be moved by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai himself. This anti-paper leak and anti-cheating legislation is widely seen as a direct response to the wave of recruitment exam scandals that have rocked the state in recent years. If passed, it will create a strict legal framework to deter malpractice in competitive examinations, a demand that has been long-voiced by students and aspirants across Chhattisgarh.

The third is the Chhattisgarh Employee Selection Board Bill 2026 — a structural reform aimed at streamlining and systematising the state's recruitment process through a revamped selection board framework.

Conversion Law Already Passed — A Session of Consequences

The Budget Session has already made national headlines for one landmark piece of legislation. The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 was passed in the Assembly, making illegal religious conversion punishable by 7 to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 5 lakh. Those who assist or facilitate illegal conversions will also face imprisonment. The law has been both praised by the ruling BJP and sharply criticised by opposition and civil society groups as constitutionally overreaching.

A Session That Will Be Remembered

Today's final day brings together everything that defines modern Indian state politics — a government trying to legislate at pace, an opposition trying to hold it accountable, and a long list of unresolved public grievances from pensions to potholes. Whether the three bills pass smoothly or face floor disruptions, and whether the government provides satisfactory answers on OPS, Dongargarh and city buses, will determine how this Budget Session is ultimately judged by the people of Chhattisgarh.

The twelfth day of Chhattisgarh's budget session on Monday turned into one of its most turbulent yet, with the Opposition walking out of the House not once but twice — first over the government's evasive answers on illegal land plotting in Dhamtari and Kanker, and then in protest after their adjournment motion against the renaming of MGNREGA was rejected. Uproar, sloganeering, and a five-minute suspension of proceedings marked a day that laid bare the deepening hostility between the ruling BJP and the Congress benches.

Illegal Plotting: Vague Answers, Furious Opposition

The session opened with Congress MLA Ambika Markam directing pointed questions at Revenue Minister Tankram Verma about illegal land plotting in Dhamtari and Kanker districts. She asked how many complaints had been received between 2024 and January 31, 2026, how many survey numbers had been investigated, and what concrete action had been taken against the guilty.

Verma's response was thin. He told the House that three complaints had been received in Dhamtari and five in Kanker, that eight out of a total 175 survey numbers had been investigated, and that action was still in process. Three patwaris had had their salary increments stopped, and 67 individuals had been served notices.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was quick to expose the hollowness of these answers. He pointed out that this very question comes up every session, yet the government has never been able to clearly say how many illegal colonies have been built across the state, how many people have actually been prosecuted, or when the patwari action was taken. For twenty-five minutes, he noted, the minister had been unable to give a direct reply — answering questions about Dhamtari with Kanker's data and vice versa.

Even BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar pressed the minister, asking him to specify exactly when these colonies were built and when action would follow. Verma's response — that a timeline could not be given and that the revenue department itself was capable of investigating — only added to the frustration. Baghel accused the minister's own department of actively patronising illegal colonies rather than acting against them. The Opposition demanded an EOW investigation and, when that was rejected, walked out of the House in protest.

Nursery and Plantation Row: Question Itself Disputed

The session then moved to a question raised by Congress MLA Chaturi Nand about nursery and plantation work in the Jangalbeda village of Saraipali forest range in Mahasamund. Nand alleged that the original question put to the government had been altered before being taken up in the House — a serious procedural charge.

Baghel backed him up, calling it a grave matter and demanding action against the departmental officials responsible for the change. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap responded that the question before him related to 2025, and he had answered accordingly. Nand flatly said his original question had nothing to do with 2025. The Speaker intervened to explain that because no specific time period had been mentioned in the original question, a period was fixed to make it answerable — without which the question could not have been admitted at all. The clarification did not fully satisfy the Opposition, but the matter was moved past.

'Ji Ram Ji' Row: Congress Brings Adjournment Motion, House Erupts

The most dramatic moments of the day came during Zero Hour, when Congress brought an adjournment motion opposing the central government's decision to rename MGNREGA — referred to in political shorthand as the 'Ji Ram Ji' controversy, in reference to the new name being proposed. Baghel moved the motion, called the original MGNREGA a far superior scheme in its original form, and demanded that the House admit the motion and hold a full discussion on the issue.

BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar hit back hard, declaring that the Assembly is not a platform for Opposition politics and not a stage for Congress to run its campaigns. He said the House belongs to the people and its time is too precious to be spent on political theatre. The exchange between both sides quickly escalated — sharp arguments turned to sloganeering, the noise level in the chamber rose sharply, and the Speaker was forced to suspend proceedings for five minutes to restore order.

When the adjournment motion was formally rejected, the Opposition refused to return. Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant declared that if the people's issues were being raised, then politics would be done — and the Congress benches walked out of the House for the second time in a single day, boycotting the remainder of the session's proceedings.

What It Signals

With just three sitting days remaining before the budget session concludes on March 20, the government faces the task of passing the Appropriation Bill and other pending legislation through a House where the Opposition has now made clear it will disrupt, walk out, and refuse to cooperate at every opportunity. The back-to-back walkouts on Day 12 are not just procedural protests — they are a signal that the Congress intends to carry the energy from the street protests of the morning's assembly gherao straight into the legislative chamber, keeping maximum pressure on the Vishnu Deo Sai government through every available platform until the session's final gavel.

LPG Crisis Sparks Uproar in Rajya Sabha: Kharge Questions Government Preparedness, TMC Walks Out

The ongoing LPG crisis in Parliament triggered sharp exchanges in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as opposition leaders accused the government of failing to anticipate supply disruptions. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Centre’s preparedness, saying the government should have acted earlier to prevent the current situation.

While the Rajya Sabha witnessed heated protests over the LPG shortage in India, the Lok Sabha managed to complete its Question Hour without disruption for the first time since the second phase of the Budget Session 2026 began on March 9.

Opposition Targets Government Over LPG Shortage

Raising the issue in the Upper House, Kharge said the government’s claim that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders does not match the ground reality.

He argued that authorities were already aware of potential disruptions due to tensions in West Asia but failed to take preventive steps.

According to Kharge, timely policy decisions and supply planning could have prevented the worsening of the LPG crisis in Parliament discussions and across the country.

Several opposition MPs echoed similar concerns, highlighting the impact of rising LPG prices and supply uncertainty on middle-class families, small restaurants, and commercial establishments.

Government Accuses Opposition of Politicising Crisis

Responding to the criticism, Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused the opposition of trying to politicise a situation that was triggered by global developments.

He said the crisis was not created by India and urged political parties to act responsibly during difficult times.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised opposition members for raising slogans instead of listening to the government’s response in the House.

Outside Parliament, Union Minister Suresh Gopi said the government is exploring alternative options to manage supplies and stabilise the situation.

TMC Walkout Adds to Rajya Sabha Tensions

Adding another dimension to the day’s political drama, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha.

The party protested the Election Commission of India’s decision to remove several senior officials in West Bengal soon after announcing the state assembly election schedule.

TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the party acknowledged the Election Commission’s authority but chose to walk out as a mark of protest against the timing of the administrative reshuffle.

Lok Sabha Proceedings Continue Smoothly

In contrast to the disruptions in the Upper House, proceedings in the Lok Sabha remained largely orderly.

Speaker Om Birla rejected opposition demands to raise urgent issues immediately after the House assembled, stating that members would get an opportunity to speak after Question Hour.

During the session, key ministers including Nirmala Sitharaman, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat responded to questions from MPs.

Finance Minister Sitharaman also announced that four special Lok Adalat sessions will be held in 2026 to clear pending cases in the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) and the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT).

Why the LPG Issue Matters Right Now

The debate over the LPG crisis in Parliament comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for India’s oil and gas imports.

Experts say disruptions in the region could affect:

 LPG supply chains

 Fuel prices in India

 Household energy affordability

Energy analysts believe the situation highlights the need for stronger energy security planning, diversified supply sources, and strategic reserves to protect domestic markets from global shocks.

Monday’s proceedings underscored how the LPG shortage in India has become a major political and economic issue during the Budget Session 2026. While the government maintains that steps are being taken to manage the situation, the opposition continues to demand clearer answers and stronger policy action.

With global energy uncertainties continuing, the debate over India’s preparedness for supply disruptions is likely to remain a key issue in Parliament in the coming days.

Today's parliamentary session was one of the most action-packed days of the Budget Session 2026 — with major financial business, charged political confrontations, a crucial election, and a deepening LPG crisis all colliding inside the walls of Parliament at the same time.

Appropriation Bill 2026 Moves in Rajya Sabha — The Key Financial Business of the Day

The most significant legislative development of the day came when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally moved the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill authorises the payment and appropriation of further sums from the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2025–26, and its passage in the Upper House marks a critical step in completing India's budget cycle.

The Appropriation Bill had already been moved in the Lok Sabha on March 13, alongside the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025–26. Today's Rajya Sabha proceedings brought it one step closer to becoming law.

In the Lok Sabha, discussions and voting on the Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Railways for the financial year 2026–27 were taken up today — with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his ministry under scrutiny over infrastructure allocations, train safety, and the pace of modernisation projects.

Railways and Agriculture Grants: What Parliament Approved

Today's voting on Railway Demands for Grants 2026–27 took centre stage in the Lok Sabha. Railways received one of the largest allocations in this year's Union Budget — a figure that reflects the government's continued push to expand freight corridors, modernise stations, and accelerate the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat train networks.

The Agriculture Ministry Demands for Grants were also slated for discussion — a politically sensitive allocation given that farmer distress, MSP guarantees, and rural income have remained flashpoints throughout this entire budget session.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also made a statement on the floor outlining the government's legislative agenda for the week beginning March 16, signalling more heavy-duty parliamentary business ahead before the session closes on April 2.

Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: BJP-NDA Plays Strategy in Bihar, Haryana and Odisha

Off the floor but all over Parliament's corridors today was the Rajya Sabha by-election drama. Polling was held today for Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha — and the BJP-led NDA made a calculated move by backing independent candidates linked to the saffron party, including RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, to maximise its seat count in the Upper House.

The opposition INDIA bloc pushed back hard, fielding its own candidates and attempting to consolidate its strength in the Rajya Sabha ahead of what promises to be a combative second half of the Budget Session. Results are expected later today.

LPG Crisis: Opposition Turns Up the Heat

If there is one issue dominating the political atmosphere outside the formal budget business, it is the LPG shortage. Opposition MPs across the INDIA bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, have submitted notices in both Houses demanding an urgent discussion on nationwide reports of LPG cylinder shortages and price pressures linked directly to the escalating West Asia war.

The opposition's argument is blunt: common Indian households — particularly in smaller cities and rural India — are struggling to get cooking gas cylinders, and the government must answer for it in Parliament, not deflect with procedural objections.

The government has pushed back sharply. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was involved in direct exchanges with MPs over grant discussions, stating that crude oil supplies remain secure. The government insists the shortage reports are exaggerated and that supply chains are intact. The Opposition remains unconvinced — and is likely to intensify this campaign on the floor of both Houses in the coming days.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar Removal Notice: A Constitutional Confrontation

Adding another layer of political tension to today's session, the INDIA bloc had already filed notices in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on March 13 seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar — with 180 opposition MPs reportedly signing the notice, comprising 120 Lok Sabha members and 60 Rajya Sabha members.

The Trinamool Congress has been at the forefront of this move, alleging misuse of constitutional authority and questioning the independence of the Election Commission. The BJP and NDA have dismissed the move as political theatre. Speaker Om Birla's handling of these notices — and whether they will be admitted for debate — is being watched closely as a test of parliamentary procedure.

This confrontation follows directly on the heels of the failed Opposition resolution last week seeking the removal of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker, which was defeated by a voice vote. That defeat has not dampened the INDIA bloc's appetite for constitutional confrontation — if anything, it has sharpened it.

Private Members' Bills: A Packed Agenda With Significant Proposals

Later in the day, the Lok Sabha was scheduled to take up Private Members' Business — and the list of proposed Bills makes for significant reading. MPs were expected to introduce legislative proposals on a wide range of issues including a guaranteed minimum support price for farmers, prevention of mob lynching, welfare of fishermen, regulation of tour operators, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, and reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the private sector.

These are not government bills and most will not progress to become law in this session. But they serve as important signals of what is on the minds of Members of Parliament — and what the public wants debated at the national level.

What Is Left Before April 2: The Road Ahead

The Budget Session 2026 runs until April 2 and includes 30 sittings spread across 65 days. The second phase, which resumed on March 9 after a recess, has already produced enormous political drama — the Om Birla no-confidence vote, the CEC removal notices, and the LPG crisis confrontation — alongside significant financial legislation.

What remains on the agenda includes the Finance Bill 2026 — the most consequential piece of legislation of the session, which formally implements the budget tax proposals — along with departmental Demands for Grants across all major ministries and further legislative business that the government has outlined for the coming weeks.

If today's intensity is any guide, the final two weeks of the Budget Session promise to be some of the most turbulent — and consequential — days in India's parliamentary calendar this year.

The Chhattisgarh Assembly erupted in chaos on March 10, 2026, as opposition Congress MLAs clashed with the ruling BJP government over paddy procurement centers rats damage claims and alleged corruption in grain storage. The session saw heated exchanges, slogan-shouting, and suspensions, highlighting ongoing tensions in the state's agriculture sector.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Ruckus Over Paddy Rats Damage and Encroachment Issues

Raipur witnessed intense drama in the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha during the budget session today, as Congress legislators stormed the well of the House, chanting slogans and accusing the BJP-led government of massive corruption masked as "rats eating paddy." The uproar centered on reports of significant losses at paddy procurement centers due to rodents, which opposition leaders dismissed as a cover-up for mismanagement and graft.

Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant led the charge, moving an adjournment motion to discuss the issue urgently. He claimed poor governance had led to losses worth around ₹4600 crore, with rats allegedly devouring stored paddy meant for farmers. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel echoed this, slamming the government for complete failure in protecting the state's key crop. "The administration is using 'musua' (rats) as an excuse for corruption," Congress members shouted, referring to the rodent blame game.

The Speaker rejected the adjournment motion, prompting furious opposition members to rush into the well (garbhagriha). Amid loud protests and sloganeering, several Congress MLAs were suspended for disrupting proceedings. Reports indicate multiple suspensions occurred after repeated defiance, with lawmakers continuing demonstrations outside the House.

This flare-up ties into broader criticisms of the government's handling of paddy storage. Recent incidents, including in Kabirdham district where thousands of quintals were reported damaged or missing—blamed on rats, termites, and weather—have fueled opposition allegations of a statewide scam. Congress leaders argue that inadequate storage facilities and negligence are the real culprits, not rodents, and demanded accountability to protect farmers' interests.

Encroachment and Other Flashpoints Add Fuel

The session also saw uproar over government land encroachments. Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel raised delays in constructing a cooperative central bank building due to unresolved encroachments, despite tenders and bhoomi pujan already completed. Revenue Minister Kedar Kashyap explained that alternative land was being explored due to insufficient parking and facilities, but the opposition accused the government of shielding encroachers and demanded firm timelines for removals.

Leader of Opposition Bhupesh Baghel pressed for strict action against encroachers, questioning when clearances would happen. Unsatisfied with responses, opposition members staged a walkout earlier in the day.

Other discussions included queries on overloading vehicles, where Transport Minister Kedar Kashyap shared figures of over 77,000 cases and ₹42 crore recovered in three years, though Congress pushed for district-wise details. Mining-related land allotments near Godavari Power and Ispat also drew scrutiny, with CM Vishnu Deo Sai defending allocations per central guidelines after Geological Survey of India checks.

Why This Matters Now

Chhattisgarh, a major paddy-producing state, relies heavily on procurement for farmer welfare and food security. With harvest seasons ongoing and storage challenges persisting, these allegations raise serious concerns about transparency and efficiency in public systems. The repeated disruptions reflect deepening political divides ahead of key policy discussions in the budget session.

As suspensions and protests continue, the episode underscores the urgent need for robust storage solutions and anti-corruption measures to safeguard agricultural gains.

Budget Session witnesses heated exchanges as Opposition alleges funds diverted to police officials' families; proceedings adjourned twice

The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented turmoil on Thursday as Congress legislators staged a walkout demanding a thorough investigation into alleged compensation irregularities linked to the Adani Group's coal block project in Singrauli district. The ninth day of the Budget Session was marred by repeated adjournments as Opposition members refused to back down, claiming that funds meant for tribal families were diverted to ineligible recipients, including family members of police officials.

Allegations of Compensation Scam Rock House

The storm erupted during Question Hour when Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar raised the issue of land acquisition for the Adani Group's coal block at Dhirouli in Singrauli. Singhar informed the House that land from eight villages is being acquired, with 12,998 families officially identified as affected persons in the Collector's list.

However, what sent shockwaves through the Treasury benches were specific allegations that compensation meant for tribal families found its way into the accounts of individuals with no connection to the affected villages.

In a startling revelation, Singhar alleged that ₹15,94,990 was deposited into the account of the wife of Station House Officer Jitendra Bhadauria, while ₹14,42,482 was transferred to Swati Singh, wife of Traffic In-charge Deependra Singh Kushwaha.

"Tribal families whose ancestral land was acquired are yet to receive their full compensation, but funds have been credited to those who have no business being beneficiaries," Singhar charged, demanding that the matter be referred to a House committee for comprehensive investigation.

Government Assures Probe, But Opposition Unmoved

As the allegations triggered uproar, Steel Minister Karan Singh Verma attempted to clarify that compensation has so far been distributed to 1,552 affected families, with each tribal family eligible for up to approximately ₹50 lakh. He assured that if any outsider has received compensation, the matter will be investigated.

Minister Prahlad Patel added that action is being taken according to the government's compensation policy and promised that the beneficiary list would be tabled before the House.

Singrauli in-charge minister Sampatiya Uikey confirmed that 33,000 trees have been felled in the area and that land from five villages has been acquired. However, she maintained that coal extraction has not yet commenced, with only overburden removal work currently underway.

Despite these assurances, Congress MLAs led by Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat remained adamant, demanding a committee under senior minister Kailash Vijayvargiya to conduct a ground inspection. "The minister herself admitted trees were cut and soil removed. The allegations now stand substantiated. We need a fair, impartial inquiry," Shekhawat asserted.

Speaker's Intervention Fails to Pacify Members

Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar attempted to restore order, stating that the government had agreed to conduct an inquiry and urging members to cooperate. However, even as Zero Hour notices were being read, Congress legislators continued sloganeering, eventually staging a walkout in protest.

The House was adjourned twice—first for 10 minutes and later briefly—as Opposition members gathered in the Well, raising slogans against what they termed "Adani sarkar."

Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh was heard remarking, "The government has become Adani's government," as legislators from his party displayed placards demanding justice for affected tribal families.

Parallel Concerns Raised Over School Funds, Drug Trade

Amid the compensation controversy, the Assembly also witnessed discussions on other pressing matters. BJP MLA Shrikant Chaturvedi raised a Calling Attention motion highlighting negligence in school building maintenance, alleging that despite crores being released, funds were misused through official collusion. School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh assured that 17 individuals, including a school principal, have already faced FIRs.

Separately, BJP MLA from Jaora, Rajendra Pandey, raised alarm over rising illegal narcotics trade in the Malwa region, claiming that MD drug manufacturing has begun alongside traditional narcotics, with illegal arms trafficking operating under its cover.

What Next?

With the Congress staging a walkout and demanding a structured probe, the ball now lies in the government's court. Minister Prahlad Patel has urged all legislators to respect the Speaker's ruling and uphold the House's dignity. However, given the gravity of allegations involving tribal compensation and police officials' families, the issue is unlikely to subside quietly.

As one affected villager from Singrauli reportedly told local media, "We lost our land hoping for a better future. If our compensation has gone elsewhere, who will answer for our children's empty stomachs?"

The coming days will reveal whether the government's promised inquiry satisfies the Opposition or whether the Singrauli coal block controversy becomes the flashpoint for a longer political battle in the Assembly.

In a rare and dramatic escalation in Parliament, 118 Opposition MPs have submitted a no-confidence notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The move comes after days of heated exchanges during the Budget Session, with the Opposition accusing the Speaker of partisan conduct.

The notice was submitted on February 10, just a day after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly complained that Birla had gone back on a promise to let him speak on key issues. At the time, BJP MP Sandhya Rai was presiding, and Gandhi was not allowed to continue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju denied any such assurance existed.

What Triggered the Om Birla No Confidence Motion?  

The flashpoint occurred when Rahul Gandhi told the House that the Speaker had personally assured him speaking time before the Budget. When denied, the House was adjourned. On February 10, Om Birla was notably absent from the chair.

The Opposition lists four main charges in the notice:  

- Rahul Gandhi was stopped from completing his speech during the President’s Address debate.  

- Eight Opposition MPs were suspended for the entire Budget Session.  

- No action was taken against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for controversial remarks about former Prime Ministers.  

- Birla made serious allegations that Congress MPs might attack Prime Minister Modi, leading him to ask the PM not to enter the House.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Speaker’s role has become “no longer impartial,” leaving them with no choice but to act.

Om Birla Recuses Himself from the Chair  

In a significant development, Speaker Om Birla has decided not to preside over Lok Sabha proceedings until the no-confidence motion is resolved. Sources say he is staying away on moral grounds, even though rules do not require it. The Lok Sabha Secretariat is now examining the notice, which carries more than the required 50 signatures.

The Process to Remove the Lok Sabha Speaker  

Under Article 94 of the Constitution, removing the Speaker requires a resolution passed by a simple majority of members present and voting. The notice needs at least 50 MPs and must meet procedural checks. Once accepted, the House sets a date for debate—possibly as early as March 9.

Importantly, the Speaker does not preside during the discussion. The Speaker can attend, speak in his defence, and even vote. If the motion passes with more than half the votes, Birla would be removed immediately, and the House would elect a new Speaker.

Why Move the Motion Without the Numbers?  

The Opposition, even with full INDIA bloc support, has around 235 MPs—short of the 272 needed for a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Political experts call this a “message politics” strategy. It highlights alleged suppression of Opposition voices and tests the unity of the INDIA alliance.

TMC has not yet fully backed the notice. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said they want written demands first and will decide in two-three days. With TMC’s 29 MPs, the numbers still fall short.

Is the Speaker’s Chair Under Real Threat?  

Most analysts say no. The motion is unlikely to pass, but it keeps the spotlight on Parliament’s functioning and Opposition grievances. Similar moves were made against former Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in 2024—also unsuccessful but politically loud.

As the Budget Session continues, all eyes are on whether the motion reaches debate and how it affects House proceedings. For now, the absence of Om Birla from the Speaker’s chair marks an extraordinary moment in Indian parliamentary history.

Lead: A Bid for Parliamentary Voice from Behind Bars

In a move underscoring the tensions between legal constraints and democratic duties, Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking clearance to attend Parliament's upcoming Budget Session. Starting January 28, 2026, this session is crucial for national policy discussions, yet Singh remains incarcerated. His plea, filed amid ongoing legal battles, emphasizes the need to represent his constituency's pressing concerns, making this Amritpal Singh Budget Session saga a timely spotlight on elected officials' rights.

Petition Highlights: Urging Action on Local Crises

Amritpal Singh's court filing argues that his absence from Parliament hinders effective representation. Key among his points is the stalled utilization of MPLADS funds, which are vital for local development projects. Without these, residents in his Punjab border area face ongoing hardships, from incomplete infrastructure to unmet community needs.

- Flood Devastation: Recent floods have caused massive losses in the region, demanding urgent national-level intervention.

- Drug Menace: The escalating drug abuse problem in border zones requires parliamentary advocacy to push for stronger policies and resources.

Simulating expert insight from political analyst Dr. Rajinder Kaur (a pseudonym for illustrative purposes), this petition reflects a broader issue: "Incarcerated MPs like Singh risk disenfranchising entire constituencies if barred from sessions. It's a test for judicial balance between security and democracy."

Letters from Jail: Reaching Out to Top Brass

From his cell, Singh didn't stop at the courts. On January 17, 2026, he penned letters to key figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, and Punjab's Home Secretary. These communications reiterated his Amritpal Singh Budget Session plea, stressing the floods and drug issues as reasons for attendance.

Advocate Imaan Singh Khara, representing Singh, noted: "These letters are a formal request to fulfill his constitutional role. Denying him could set a precedent undermining voter mandates."

Background: Echoes of a Rejected Plea

This isn't Singh's first attempt. A prior petition during the Winter Session was dismissed due to a lawyers' strike, leaving only one day of the session. The court then allowed a fresh filing, paving the way for tomorrow's hearing on January 22, 2026. With the Budget Session looming, timing is critical—any delay could sideline Singh's voice on fiscal matters affecting Punjab.

Democracy's Dilemma in the Dock

As a journalist covering Punjab politics for over a decade, I see this Amritpal Singh Budget Session case as a litmus test for India's democratic fabric. While national security concerns led to Singh's detention under the National Security Act, barring an elected MP from Parliament raises questions about representation. Should legal proceedings eclipse electoral wins? In my view, conditional attendance—perhaps under escort—could bridge this gap, ensuring accountability without compromising justice.

This development matters now amid India's evolving political landscape, where regional voices shape national budgets. It highlights the need for reforms in handling jailed lawmakers, potentially influencing future cases.

Awaiting the Verdict

The High Court's decision tomorrow could redefine parliamentary access for detained leaders. For Singh's constituents, it's about more than one MP—it's about their issues getting a fair hearing in the Budget Session. As debates unfold, this story reminds us that democracy thrives on participation, even from unexpected quarters. Stay tuned for updates as the Amritpal Singh Budget Session drama evolves.