Union Minister Chirag Paswan has accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of wilfully obstructing proceedings in the Lower House, alleging that the Congress leader’s “stubborn” posture has paralysed Parliament during the Budget Session.Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Paswan said disruptions led by the opposition were undermining debate on key financial business and legislative proposals scheduled for discussion. He argued that the government had expressed readiness to address concerns within parliamentary rules, but that repeated adjournments were eroding the spirit of deliberation.
“The country expects constructive participation, particularly during the Budget Session,” Paswan said, contending that sustained protests were preventing the House from functioning effectively. He maintained that the treasury benches were prepared to engage in discussion on issues raised by the opposition, provided proceedings were conducted in accordance with established norms.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the Congress-led opposition bloc. The Budget Session, traditionally one of the most significant segments of the parliamentary calendar, sets out the Union government’s fiscal roadmap and allocates spending across ministries. Disruptions during this period can delay scrutiny of demands for grants and debate on finance legislation.
Rahul Gandhi, who assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha after the 2024 general election, has been at the forefront of opposition demands on a range of issues, including allegations relating to governance, institutional accountability and economic management. Congress leaders have defended their strategy, arguing that raising contentious matters forcefully is integral to democratic oversight.
Opposition parties have sought discussions under specific procedural rules that allow for structured debate and voting. Government representatives, for their part, have accused them of resorting to slogan-shouting and coordinated protests that compel the Speaker to adjourn the House. Parliamentary records show multiple sittings during the current session have been cut short due to disorder.
Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party and holds a Cabinet portfolio in the Union government, framed the confrontation as a question of parliamentary responsibility. He said that while dissent was legitimate, “continuous obstruction” deprived elected members of the opportunity to represent their constituencies through debate.
The Congress has countered that disruptions reflect the government’s reluctance to permit detailed discussion on issues it considers politically sensitive. Party spokespersons have accused ministers of avoiding accountability and limiting the scope of debate. They argue that adjournments are often triggered after opposition members press for time-bound responses or demand the Prime Minister’s presence in the House.
Political analysts note that confrontations between government and opposition during Budget Sessions are not uncommon. However, the intensity of exchanges has grown sharper since the last general election, which saw the ruling alliance return to power with a reduced majority compared with its previous term. The presence of a formal Leader of Opposition, a position vacant in the preceding Lok Sabha due to numerical thresholds, has altered the dynamics of floor management.
Procedurally, the Budget Session unfolds in two phases. The first includes the presentation of the Union Budget by the Finance Minister, followed by a general discussion. The second phase typically addresses demands for grants, passage of the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill, and debate on ministry-wise allocations. Persistent adjournments can compress timelines, forcing extended sittings or curtailed debate.
Senior parliamentary officials indicate that informal consultations between floor leaders are underway to restore order. The Speaker has appealed repeatedly for cooperation, emphasising the need to uphold decorum and allow legislative business to proceed. Under parliamentary rules, the presiding officer retains authority to suspend members for grave disorder, though such steps are considered a last resort.
Paswan’s criticism also reflects broader political positioning ahead of upcoming state elections, where parliamentary conduct often feeds into campaign narratives. By portraying the opposition as obstructive, the ruling alliance seeks to project itself as focused on governance and fiscal stability. Conversely, the Congress is likely to argue that robust protest inside Parliament highlights issues it believes are being sidelined.
Economists and policy observers stress that uninterrupted debate during the Budget Session is vital for transparency. Scrutiny of expenditure plans, tax proposals and borrowing targets shapes investor confidence and informs state governments, businesses and citizens about fiscal priorities. While adjournments do not automatically derail passage of financial legislation, they can limit detailed examination of policy measures.