BJP MPs chant "Modi-Modi" in Parliament as Budget session resumes
The second leg of Parliament's Budget session began on Monday, with proceedings continuing in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The session will continue till April 8. Notably, the first half of the leg began on January 29 and concluded on February 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special welcome in the Lok Sabha from BJP MPs.
Why does this story matter?
The session comes just days after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party won Assembly elections in four states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur — while the Aam Aadmi Party swept to victory in Punjab. With the COVID-19 situation improving, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will hold simultaneous sittings beginning at 11 am, rather than the two separate shifts.
BJP MPs welcome PM with "Modi, Modi" chants
Members of Parliament from the BJP chanted 'Modi, Modi' for several seconds as PM Modi entered the Lok Sabha on Monday morning. This comes on the heels of the BJP's triumph in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa. After PM Modi took his seat, the MPs continued to chant while Speaker Om Birla grinned.
Watch the video here
BJP's victory in elections
It may be recalled that the results of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab were announced last week. While the BJP scored a majority in Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, and Uttarakhand, it also said that it will form a government in Goa, where it won 20 of 40 seats and appears to have the backing of three other winning candidates.
Government business and opposition's concern
During Monday's proceedings, the Budget for Jammu and Kashmir was presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The central government has also listed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill for discussion and passing in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Opposition prepared to bring up the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the House.
Sonia chairs meet prior to the Budget session resumption
On Sunday, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Party chief, presided over a meeting of the party's Parliament Strategy Group at her residence and resolved to work in collaboration with like-minded parties during the Budget session. The meeting resolved that the issues to be discussed in the session will be safe evacuation of Indians from Ukraine, inflation, unemployment, labor concerns, and minimum support price for farmers.
