The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India]: Both Houses of Parliament will on Monday take up the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to participate in the discussion.
Along with Rahul Gandhi, several Congress MPs—including Tariq Anwar, Amarinder Raja Warring, Anto Antony, and Jothimani—are scheduled to speak during the debate on the President’s Address.
In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister and BJP MP Sarbananda Sonowal will move the Motion of Thanks, while BJP MP Tejasvi Surya will second it. In the Rajya Sabha, the motion will be moved by BJP MP C Sadanandan Master and seconded by party colleague Medha Vishram Kulkarni.
Parliament has allotted 18 hours for the discussion on the Motion of Thanks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the debate on February 4, while Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to respond on February 11. Both Houses will convene at 11 am today to begin the discussion.
The Budget Session of Parliament will comprise 30 sittings spread over 65 days and is scheduled to conclude on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.
Earlier on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation. She said the budget is driven by “Yuvashakti” and guided by “three kartavyas.”
The budget outlines major infrastructure initiatives, including seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years. It also places strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable passenger transport, with high-speed rail corridors designed to reduce travel time, lower emissions, and promote regional development across key urban and economic centres.
