On January 29, 2026, the Congress party sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his customary address before the upcoming Budget session. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the Prime Minister's performance as "hypocrisy-laden," suggesting that it has become routine for Modi to deliver speeches that lack genuine engagement with the opposition. Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister consistently fails to take the opposition into confidence, avoiding crucial all-party meetings and instead using Parliament as a backdrop for election-style oratory.
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the nation's economic outlook, stating that the free trade agreement with the European Union is a significant step toward creating an "ambitious India." However, Ramesh countered that Modi's rhetoric does not address the pressing legislative scrutiny concerns. He pointed out that Bills are often introduced at the last minute and "bulldozed" through Parliament without adequate debate, undermining the democratic process.
- Legislative scrutiny concerns — allegations of rushed Bills lacking proper debate.
- Opposition engagement issues — claims that Modi neglects to respond to opposition leaders' concerns.
- Economic focus — Modi highlights the importance of the free trade pact but lacks actionable dialogue.
Ramesh's criticism raises significant questions about the government's commitment to collaborative governance and genuine dialogue with opposition parties. PM Modi's approach, as described by Ramesh, reduces parliamentary discussions to mere political theater rather than constructive legislative engagement. The implications of this dynamic could affect the effectiveness of the upcoming Budget session and the government's ability to address pressing issues.
In his address, PM Modi stated, "Our priority is always human-centric while taking steps for all-round development," signaling a commitment to welfare schemes. However, the Congress party's critique suggests a growing discontent among opposition ranks regarding the government's openness to dialogue, which may influence future parliamentary proceedings.
