As the Budget Session of Parliament approaches, attention turns to the Opposition—will they facilitate smooth proceedings or resort to disruptions for political gain? At today’s customary all-party meeting, convened by the BJP-led NDA government to ensure a productive session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the discussions as largely cordial but sidestepped questions on the full legislative agenda. He confirmed only the Presidential address on January 31 and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget presentation on February 1. Speculation is rife that the government aims to introduce three key bills—the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the amended Wakf Board Bill, and an Immigration Prevention law based on NCRB data—alongside pending legislation from the last session. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has conducted extensive consultations across states, incorporating stakeholder views. Though the JPC approved the final drafts through a voting process, the Opposition remains resolute in its opposition and appears poised to disrupt the session.
The Opposition’s hostility stems largely from its continued electoral setbacks. The Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc have been struggling to regain political relevance following humiliating defeats in multiple state assembly elections and the last Lok Sabha polls. Desperate to corner the government, the Opposition might resort to demanding discussions on these contentious bills even before the official presentation, a move that violates established parliamentary norms. Such obstructionism is not about democratic debate but rather a calculated attempt to embarrass the ruling party and score political points. A critical test of Opposition unity will be seen in the Budget Session, given the ongoing cracks within the INDIA bloc. With the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already shown signs of drifting away from its alliance partners. AAP’s decision to contest the Haryana Assembly polls independently, which resulted in a BJP landslide, underscores the growing discord within the Opposition ranks. Now, AAP is set to fight the Delhi elections alone, despite being part of the larger Opposition alliance.
AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s political stature has taken a significant hit due to multiple corruption allegations, particularly the much-publicized liquor policy scam. Though he recently secured conditional bail, the damage to his credibility is evident. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has further exposed financial irregularities during his tenure, including discrepancies linked to the construction of his lavish official residence, dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ scandal. These revelations have severely dented Kejriwal’s image, forcing him onto the defensive ahead of the elections. Amid this turmoil, Kejriwal has resorted to desperate allegations, even accusing the Haryana BJP government of conspiring to poison Yamuna’s water supply to Delhi. The claim, made without evidence, was met with widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Election Commission promptly sought proof from AAP, and the Haryana government has taken the matter to court, with the High Court issuing notices to Kejriwal. His baseless claims not only highlight his political frustration but also risk legal consequences, further weakening his already embattled party. With Delhi set to vote on February 5 and results expected on February 8, Kejriwal’s anxieties are evident. His recent statements suggesting that he “would not mind being jailed before the elections” sound more like a preemptive excuse than a battle cry. The political tide is turning against him, and his own missteps have ensured that AAP is the biggest loser in the opposition’s internal tussles. While the Congress continues to eat into AAP’s voter base, the BJP stands to gain from the fragmentation within the INDIA bloc. As Parliament convenes for the crucial Budget Session, the real question is whether the Opposition will engage in constructive debate or resort to disruption and theatrics. If the past is any indicator, the latter seems more likely. However, in doing so, the Opposition risks further alienating the electorate, which increasingly perceives them as obstructionist rather than a viable alternative to the ruling government. Whether Kejriwal can salvage his credibility or if the Congress can assert leadership within the fractured Opposition remains to be seen, but as things stand, the NDA government appears poised to capitalize on the chaos within its rivals.
