(Image source from: PTI)
The opposition members exited Parliament this morning over the delimitation matter as the second half of the budget session commenced, where further disagreements regarding topics such as 'Hindi imposition', amendments to the Waqf, and U.S. tariffs are anticipated. Union Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the opposition's departure during his address in the Rajya Sabha, stating that they require a "refresher course" on the operational rules and regulations of Parliament. BJP MP Rekha Sharma similarly voiced her disapproval of the opposition, accusing them of consistently obstructing House proceedings. Shortly thereafter, the Lok Sabha was suspended until noon. Delimitation, which is set to be implemented next year, has become a contentious issue. The southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, contend that redefining parliamentary constituencies based on the latest population data will result in diminished representation and influence in Parliament, despite their success in controlling population growth and significant contributions to the Indian economy.
Consequently, they are also concerned about a notable increase in seats for northern states—many of which predominantly speak Hindi and are perceived as strongholds for the ruling BJP—potentially enabling the party to exert greater control in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, thereby influencing the distribution of central government grants and funding. Last week in Coimbatore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attempted to quell these concerns by asserting that the southern states would retain all their seats; however, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted that Shah did not clarify whether the northern states would not gain from this adjustment. The proposed amendments to the Waqf Bill, which involve appointing non-Muslim members to oversee Muslim charitable organizations and have sparked intense debate, combined with discussions on the ruling BJP's three-language instructional policy—perceived by Tamil Nadu and other southern regions as 'Hindi imposition'—are also anticipated to lead to clashes.
Regarding the 'Hindi imposition' issue, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, which has been at the forefront of these protests, of being "dishonest" and "not dedicated to the students" of the state, asserting that "they are engaging in politics." In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has initiated a counteroffensive and invited leaders from seven states, including Bengal's Mamata Banerjee and Punjab's Bhagwant Mann, to a meeting in Chennai next week to address this concern. Additionally, the trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has labeled India a "very big abuser" of import duties, may also spark tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition. The deportation of Indians living unlawfully in the United States—prompted by footage of shackled individuals being returned to India via U.S. military planes—could be another topic of discussion.
Among the prominent bills expected during this session is the Finance Bill, the approval of which will finalize the 2025 Union Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also anticipated to present a budget addressing the needs of Manipur, which has been under President's Rule since last month due to ethnic violence. Other concerns, like the repetition of voter identification numbers, which opposing parties have often claimed both prior to and following electoral losses in recent years, could also be brought up.
