Dalit scholar suicide, Arunachal crisis may washout Budget session: Experts

With issues like a Dalit scholar’s suicide at the Hyderabad Central University, imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh and ongoing Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) row taking the centrestage, it seems that the BJP-led Centre may face a tough opposition in the upcoming Budget Session, starting February 23. 

The raging war of words between the government and Opposition parties has put the fate of the Budget Session in limbo.

According to political experts, the three issues are enough to nail down the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The brouhaha inside and outside Parliament are imminent. The Opposition parties will not let the ruling party make its point, especially at a time when they have been served with readymade issues on their platter,” a senior political commentator said.

Experts point out that the way the government has handled the issues has provided an edge to the Opposition to take on the government, which is in minority in the Rajya Sabha. The fight is getting so bitter that the Budget session may meet the same fate as that of the Winter and the Monsoon sessions – a total washout.

With the Assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal scheduled after the Budget session, it will be a great challenge for PM Modi to ensure the smooth functioning of both the Houses of Parliament. 

Last year, Modi had met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and his former counterpart Manmohan Singh to end the logjam during the Winter Session and appeal to them for the smooth passage of Goods and Services Tax Bill.

The Opposition had completely stalled the earlier two crucial sessions of Parliament over issues such as intolerance, National Herald and corruption in the Delhi and District Cricket Association.

However, the government might heave a sigh of relief as despite the rough weather, the wheat output would rise a little over 7 MT in 2015-16, an increase in the overall foodgrain production of 1 MT than the last year. Wheat production is estimated at 94 MT, from 86 MT in 2014-15.