Parliament Budget Session 2026 Highlights: Both Houses adjourned for the day

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Lok Sabha adjourned for the day. The House will reconvene on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. 

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in the Lok Sabha that the Centre has made an unprecedented allocation for the agriculture sector in the Union Budget, highlighting the government’s strong focus on boosting farm growth and rural development.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met the retiring and recently retired Members of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and other Members of Parliament were also present.

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for today and will resume proceedings on March 23, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday continued its discussion and voting on the demands for grants under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

During the debate, Hanuman Beniwal, MP from Maharashtra and leader of the RLP, urged the government to waive off the entire loan burden of farmers to ease financial stress.

He also called for a thorough investigation into an alleged large-scale ‘scam’ under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, raising concerns over its implementation.

Congress MP Naseer Hussain on Assam Congress leaders joining the BJP, says, “This is the situation across the country—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Congress leaders, regional party leaders, and even members from other parties are being taken away. Big leaders are shifting due to pressure, intimidation and inducements. At the same time, there is also a need for introspection.”

A witty remark by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge turned a serious parliamentary exchange into a moment of laughter, as his playful dig at former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda left even the Prime Minister smiling.

Top ministers of the Narendra Modi cabinet are meeting in the Parliament. According to sources, the ongoing crude and LPG crisis is being discussed. 

(Himanshu Mishra)

Rajya Sabha witnessed a lighter moment as Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a witty remark aimed at HD Deve Gowda, saying, “Prem humare saath, shaadi Modi ji ke saath,” drawing laughter across the House.

The comment, made in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, added a touch of humour to the farewell proceedings, even as members reflected on political camaraderie beyond party lines.

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said those in politics and public life neither get tired nor truly retire, driven by their passion to serve the nation.

Speaking during the farewell for retiring members, he underlined that commitment to public service continues beyond formal roles. His remarks echoed the broader sentiment in the House on lifelong dedication to democratic responsibilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remarked that opportunities for humour and satire in the Rajya Sabha seem to be gradually declining.

However, he praised Ramdas Athawale as “evergreen”, saying his presence brings wit to proceedings. PM Modi added that even as Athawale departs, he is confident the leader will continue to contribute humour and satire in public life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised senior leaders including HD Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar during the Rajya Sabha farewell for retiring members.

He highlighted their decades-long parliamentary experience, noting they have dedicated much of their lives to legislative work. Urging younger MPs to take inspiration, he emphasised commitment, discipline, and meaningful participation, calling such long public service “extremely significant” for democracy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said there is “no full stop in politics” and described Parliament as an “open university” while addressing the Rajya Sabha during the farewell of 37 retiring members.

Calling it a moment to rise above partisan lines, he urged new MPs to learn from senior colleagues. He added that retiring members would continue contributing to society in different capacities beyond the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that “there is no full stop in politics” while addressing the Rajya Sabha during the farewell session for retiring MPs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a farewell session for retiring Members of Parliament, marking a moment of reflection and transition in the Upper House.

He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing MPs, highlighting their role in legislative debates and nation-building. The session saw leaders across party lines coming together to extend their best wishes, even as political differences remained evident.

These Standing Committee reports pertain to the subjects of commerce, women & child development, education, defence and SC/ST welfare. 

The Lok Sabha mourns the death of former Congress MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao. Rao was a member of the 8th, 9th, 12th, 14th and 15th Lok Sabha. 

Both Houses of Parliament reconvene.