The opposition walked out of Parliament over the delimitation issue as the budget session resumed, leading to tensions over topics such as ‘Hindi imposition’, Waqf amendments, and US tariffs. Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the opposition, suggesting they need to understand parliamentary rules better. Delimitation poses a major concern for southern states, fearing loss of representation. Home Minister Amit Shah assured that these states wouldn’t lose seats, but Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted the potential gain for northern states. The session will also cover the Finance Bill and issues like voter ID duplication. Tensions are expected to escalate further.
The opposition exited Parliament today due to the delimitation issue as the second half of the budget session commenced. Additional disputes over topics such as ‘Hindi imposition’, Waqf amendments, and tariffs imposed by the United States are anticipated.
Here are the top 10 points in this story:
- Union Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the opposition’s walk-out during the Rajya Sabha session, stating they required a “refresher course” on the rules governing Parliament operations. BJP MP Rekha Sharma also rebuked the opposition, claiming they “consistently obstruct the House”.
- Delimitation, anticipated to occur next year, has surfaced as a critical issue. Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, worry that redrawing parliamentary constituencies based on current population figures will result in fewer seats and diminished representation in Parliament, despite their efforts to control population growth and their contributions to the Indian economy.
- Consequently, there are concerns that northern states – many Hindi-speaking and regarded as strongholds of the BJP – will gain additional seats, potentially allowing the party to dominate in future Lok Sabha elections and influence the distribution of central government grants and funding.
- Home Minister Amit Shah attempted to alleviate these concerns in Tamil Nadu last week by assuring that the southern states would not lose any seats; however, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted that Shah did not address whether the northern states would gain from this process.
- The Waqf Bill amendments, which propose including non-Muslim members in the management of Muslim charitable properties leading to significant controversy, alongside discussions about the BJP’s three-language policy for schools – which Tamil Nadu views as ‘Hindi imposition’ – are expected to incite further confrontations.
- Regarding ‘Hindi imposition’, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remarked in the Lok Sabha that Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK, a key player in the protests, is “dishonest” and “not committed to student welfare” in the state, asserting they are engaged in politics instead.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin has been spearheading the counter-movement and has convened a meeting next week in Chennai with state leaders, including Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann, to deliberate on this matter.
- Another potential flashpoint for conflict between the BJP and the opposition is the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, who labeled India a “very big abuser” of import duties. Additionally, the deportation of Indians living illegally in the US, following videos of restrained individuals being transported back to India via US military planes, might come under discussion.
- High-profile legislation expected in this session includes the Finance Bill, which facilitates the Union Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also likely to present a budget addressing the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which recently fell under President’s Rule.
- Other contentious matters, such as the duplication of voter ID numbers, which opposition parties have frequently alleged in the aftermath of elections, might also be raised.