Parliament Budget Session 2026 Highlights: Both the Houses adjourned till Tuesday

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament on the West Asia crisis, AAP MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the government has “forcibly put India in trouble.” He said the opposition has always supported the government during national crises and had even urged it to hold talks with Iran. Singh added that when the opposition offers timely and sound advice, it should be taken into consideration.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament on the West Asia conflict, Congress MP Manish Tewari said there is a need for a detailed discussion in the House. He noted that the issue was also raised in the Business Advisory Committee and emphasised that while the Prime Minister gave an elaborate statement, it should be followed by a comprehensive debate in Parliament.

Addressing the West Asia conflict in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a key domestic concern, noting that the onset of summer in India will lead to a surge in electricity demand. He assured that adequate coal stocks are currently available at all power plants across the country, indicating preparedness to meet the rising energy needs in the coming days.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament on the West Asia crisis, BJP MP Arun Govil described it as “very positive” and said it reflected the right approach in times of global uncertainty. He emphasised that crises cannot be resolved without collective efforts, adding that the Prime Minister consistently maintains a positive outlook. Govil noted that Modi reiterated the importance of unity and constructive engagement in addressing the ongoing situation.

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha that seven coal gasification projects will come up with an investment of Rs 64,000 crore in Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal and said this will help in reducing imports of energy products.

"There is no shortage of power in the country," he said, adding that 73-74 per cent of electricity is being generated through coal-based thermal plants.

(PTI)

Security has been stepped up across multiple fronts in light of the Middle East conflict, the Prime Minister said, amid concerns of spillover risks.

PM Modi said law enforcement agencies are on high alert, warning that “some elements try to take advantage” during such crises. He added that border, coastal and cyber security, along with the protection of strategic installations, is being strengthened.

“The difficult conditions created in the world by this war are likely to have lasting effects for a long time, so we must be prepared and remain united,” he said.

“We have faced such challenges with unity during the Covid-19 pandemic and now we need to be prepared again,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has personally spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in recent days, urging dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Addressing Parliament, Modi reiterated India’s opposition to attacks on civilian infrastructure and critical energy facilities amid escalating tensions in the region.

“Attacks on commercial vessels and blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a key international maritime route, is unacceptable,” he said.

“We are continuously putting efforts to mitigate the effects of this war,” PM Modi said, adding that the government is engaging with stakeholders across sectors and providing necessary support to those affected by the crisis.

"Despite this, the government is making every effort to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not significantly affected. Our focus remains on minimising difficulties for common households. We all know that India meets nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement through imports. Due to supply uncertainties, the government has prioritised domestic use of LPG, while also increasing production within the country. Even as petrol and diesel supplies continue across the country, the government is consistently working to address these challenges,” he said.

Energy remains critical to India’s economy, PM said, adding that West Asia continues to be a primary source for meeting the country’s oil and gas needs.

Speaking in Parliament, Modi said the government is in constant touch with multiple countries to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

“We are trying our best to ensure regular supply of gas and oil needs,” he said.

The prime minister added that several Indian ships stranded along the Strait of Hormuz route have safely returned to the country

India has 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves and is sourcing energy imports from 41 countries, PM Modi informed the Lok Sabha, seeking to reassure the nation amid concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Modi said the government has taken steps to diversify energy sources to safeguard supplies in times of global uncertainty.

"In the last decade, India has prioritised storage of crude oil for times of crisis. Today, India has a strategic petroleum reserve of more than 53 lakh metric tonnes, and work is underway to create reserves of more than 65 lakh metric tonnes," the Prime Minister told Lok Sabha.

His remarks come as tensions in West Asia raise fears over the security of oil shipments through the critical maritime chokepoint, a key route for global energy trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the safety of Indian nationals remains the government’s top priority amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

He noted that India shares deep business and people-to-people ties with countries in the Gulf region. He said the government has been extending all possible support to Indians since the outbreak of the war, with diplomatic missions assisting those stranded.

Around 3.75 lakh Indians, including students, have returned home so far, he said.

The Prime Minister added that he has spoken to leaders of several countries, who have assured him of the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in their territories.

On the West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The situation in West Asia is worrisome. In the last 2-3 weeks, EAM Dr S Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Puri have provided the details of the situation to the House. This conflict has been going on for more than 3 weeks. It has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people, and that is why the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict."

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi said the war in West Asia is worrisome, has thrown up daunting challenges for the world.

The situation in West Asia has created a negative impact on the world economy and people, said PM Modi. "It is imperative that Parliament sends across its message on West Asia crisis in one voice," he added.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the House on the West Asia crisis.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Monday criticised the Centre over the timing of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the ongoing West Asia conflict, questioning why such a high-level review was not convened earlier.

“Why did this meeting not take place earlier? Every other country talked to Iran and their ships are coming,” Singh said speaking to media outside Parliament, alleging that the government had delayed its response despite escalating tensions in the region.

He further accused the Centre of putting the country at risk, saying, “You deliberately put the nation under threat,” while raising concerns over the safety of Indian interests and maritime movement amid the crisis.

Opposition MP Gurdeep Singh Aujla raised the issue of alleged corruption in Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns in Punjab. Responding in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah said that if all MPs from Punjab submit a written request, he would ensure a CBI inquiry into the matter.

The Corporate Law Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposing that it be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The House subsequently agreed, and the bill was sent to the JPC.

Responding to Opposition concerns over its introduction, Union Minister Amit Shah said the Opposition had not sought a JPC review. He added that it was the government’s decision to refer the bill to the committee to enable a more comprehensive discussion on the legislation.

Congress MP Manish Tewary opposed the introduction of the Corporate Laws Amendment Bill 2026. “Core policy matters such as classification of company’s, such as exumptions, determination of compliance requirements, threshold for corporate social responsibility, audit obligations and penalty frameworks are left to subordinate legislation through repeated use as may be prescribed provisions without adequate legislation guidance,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha at 2 pm on the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

The address comes a day after he chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation and assess its impact on India, particularly in terms of food, fuel and fertiliser security amid global disruptions.

The conflict, triggered by the US and Israel's strikes on Iran, has entered its fourth week, and thrown plunged energy supply chains and global economies into turmoil.

Members of the Trinamool Congress raised the issue of transfers of officials ahead of assembly polls in West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, leading to protests in the House. TMC MPs raised slogans over the matter before staging a walkout.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Opposition-ruled states, specifically Kerala, are not utilising funds allocated by the Centre, countering allegations of bias in fund distribution.

"Despite the allocation, the Kerala government has not drawn the amount. An amount of Rs 311.95 crore was approved under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, including R 72 crore specifically for risk mitigation in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. However, no funds have been used so far," she said in Lok Sabha. 

BJP MP Hema Malini, on PM Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving Head of Government in India, said: “Our Prime Minister is remarkable and does exceptional work. I do not understand what people who speak against him are thinking. The country has never had such a Prime Minister before. We are very proud of him.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on Shaheed Diwas.

Proceedings of the Budget Session’s Monday sitting have begun in both Houses of Parliament.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also move in the Lok Sabha that the Bill to give effect to the Centre’s financial proposals for the 2026-27 fiscal year be taken into consideration. She is expected to move amendments listed separately and seek the passage of the Bill.

The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is a proposed legislation which aims to further improve ease of doing business by decriminalising minor offences, replacing certain criminal provisions with civil penalties and reducing compliance burdens for small firms and startups.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is slated to introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday to amend key corporate laws, according to the House agenda. The proposed Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks changes to the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and the Companies Act, 2013.

The Companies Act governs incorporation, corporate governance, disclosures and dissolution, while the LLP Act offers a more flexible framework with limited liability for partners, people familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Union Cabinet approved the bill on March 10.