India's Parliament Budget Session 2025 continues to stir the political atmosphere, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Rajya Sabha to respond to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on February 6.
During his address, Modi did not hold back, critiquing the Congress party's approach, asserting, "To expect sabka saath, sabka vikas from the Congress would be a big mistake, as Congress’ priority is family first," as reported by Sansad TV. He argued the Congress's previous government failed to honor significant figures, such as B. R. Ambedkar, pointing out the irony of today’s Congress members using phrases like 'Jai Bhim.'
The day began with tensions as opposition MPs protested within the Parliament chambers. They demanded discussions addressing recent deportations of illegal immigrants from the United States. These deportations follow increased enforcement by US immigration authorities, which has been associated with former President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies. Prime Minister Modi's government seemed to be caught off guard by the uproar, which overshadowed many of the day's proceedings.
S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, sought to address the concerns surrounding the deportees, stating, "There has been no change in the US deportation and procedure." He emphasized the importance of nations accepting their own citizens, elaborated during discussions following the protests. The deported individuals were reportedly from various states, including Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Modi took the opportunity to pivot the discussion back to his government's achievements over the past decade. He noted the significant growth across various sectors including electronics and textiles, asserting, "Our electronic, toy, agro-chemical exports have grown multi-fold in the last 10 years."
He refuted the idea of 'Licence Raj' branding it as obstructive during Congress's rule, adding, "It would take years to buy cars and scooters, and permission was needed to sell vehicles under Congress." Instead, he heralded the NDA government’s focus on ensuring a smoother process for business operations.
Furthering his argument, Modi spoke about the historical delays, referencing the UP Saryu Canal Yojana, which originated back in 1972 but was only realized under his administration years later. "Finally, our government implemented it in 2021," he stated, illustrating what he described as Congress's inefficiency.
Another landmark discussion involved the access to education for all, where Modi declared, "We made sure education is available to all marginalised communities in their native language." He highlighted the initiatives aimed at making education inclusive and the promise of opportunities for present schoolchildren as key to realizing his vision for “Viksit Bharat.”
Modi’s address also emphasized the government's dedication to marginalized geographies, signifying border villages as India’s priorities. He stated, "For us, border villages are India's first, not the last," reiteratively focusing on inclusivity across geographic and societal lines.
On the ground, the continued protests disrupted the sessions, leading both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to adjourn shortly after convening because of the uproar among opposition members, who chanted demands and raised issues on the deportees' treatment.
Throughout the day, Modi delivered poetic remarks targeted at the Congress, encompassing quotes from time-honored figures such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, blending politics with nostalgia. He asserted, "Majrooh Sultanpuri, Balraj Sahni, Kishore Kumar, all victims of Congress's abuse of power," criticizing their historical treatment at the hands of the previous government.
Modi reaffirmed his administration’s proactive stance on various community benefits, particularly spotlighting the fishermen, stating, "Fishermen community benefitted from our increased focus on the sector." He also underscored initiatives targeting skill development and financial inclusion, painting them as pillars for India’s economic growth.
The day concluded with the tension not fully abated, but with Modi making clear his administration’s narrative—the accomplishments achieved under their governance compared to what he portrays as the stagnation of Congress. Chiatis.org's summaries of the budget sessions pointed to the ever-widening chasm between the parties, hinting at difficulties on the path forward as this year's budget session progresses.
With contests over policies and responsibilities heating up, this parliamentary session highlighted the enduring struggles and battles between current leadership and opposition forces, symbolizing the broader political tensions currently shaping India.