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The forthcoming Budget session of Parliament beginning on January 29 with The Union Budget Presented On February 1, 2021 , by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to be stormy one. There are hot of issues the Modi government will be cornered by the opposition.
The prominent issue to figure during the session will be the three farm laws that were passed by the Centre but has seen stiff resistance from the famers . Who have launched a agitation and camping in the borders of Delhi- Singhu and Tikri for over 60 days and demanding nothing less than total repeal of the three contentious laws . In an effort to break the deadlock the government and the farmers Union held several rounds of talks 11 till now yet the solution was yet to be achieved .
The Supreme Court too stepped in as the government – farmers talks was making no headway. The government in order to break the ice even offered to hold the farm laws for 18 months but the farmers stuck to their demand of repeal . Now the famers have threatened to take their protests to the doorsteps of the parliament when the Budget session begins . Clearly the stand-off shows no signs of ebbing. Remains to be seen who blinks first in this bitter face-off.
The opposition had gunned for the Modi government for passing the farm laws in a hurry by ordinance and not been properly discussed in parliament or sent to a select committee. The opposition had alleged these farm laws will benefit the business men close to the government namely Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. Though both the companies have vehemently denied any beneficiary from the laws the perception of them being favoured has created a suspicion .
All eyes will be on the Union Budget by Nirmala Sitharaman the country’s economic scenario due to COVID-19 is in tatters. The government has announced several stimulus packages to revive the economy the forthcoming budget is expected to see further announcements . The rise in fuel prices is matter of concern as much as GDP growth and hence it remains a challenge.
The Modi government is expected to face the heat on it’s talks with China . The opposition is likely to seeks answers how the talks are faring amidst repeated reports of Chinese intrusions the latest one being Naku La in Sikkim. Further there will be expectations on how the government prepares to deal with or rather work with the new occupant of the White House – Joe Biden the 46th President of United Sates of America. With Kamala Harris as Vice- President it remains to be seen how the Indo- US ties go ahead under Biden. Biden as one may recalled ha during his US Presidential campaign in 2020 had expressed disappointment with the CAA , NRC and has sought restoration of the people’s rights in kashmir. These are tricky issues on which the Modi government tackle the Biden administration deftly .
The damaging Whats App chat revelations involving Arnab Goswami , Editor-in Chief Of Republic TV and now disgraced EX CEO of BARC Partho Dasgupta are sure to be raised in parliament. The Congress party had already demanded JPC into the issue as it concerned national security and many leaders have said it is f breach of the Officials secrets act and senior leader like AK Antony even terming it a act of treason . As Chats between Goswami and Dasgupta revealed that Goswami had prior knowledge of the Balakot air strikes .
Amazingly, it may be noted that the entire union cabinet tweeted in support of Arnab when he was arrested by the Mumbai police on the suicide case. But have decided not to tweet a single line in his support ever since the Whats App chat revelations have come out in public domain. Clearly BJP it seems it now adopting social distancing when it comes to Arnab Goswami .
All these chats are part of the supplementary chargesheet prepared by the Mumbai police investigating the TRP scam . Arnab has not denied the chats nor has he denied the payments he allegedly made to Partho Dasgupta to manipulate TRP ratings to favour his Republic TV . Instead Goswami has slammed the Congress party and threatened to sue some leaders. It is diversionary tactic to hide his own mistakes and shift the goal post and appear as a victim/ or cite a witch-hunt against him .
All in all the Modi government will have its task cut out in the coming parliament session and with the winter session cancelled due to COVID-19 one hopes the session is productive and not a waste with walk-out and slogans
