NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Both Houses of Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – were adjourned sine die on Saturday, bringing the Budget session, which began on January 28, to a close amid intense political exchanges and significant legislative business.
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In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House after delivering concluding remarks. The session saw 31 sittings over about 151 hours with 93 per cent productivity. It ended on a solemn note with a full rendition of Vande Mataram.
A major highlight – and setback for the government led by Narendra Modi – was the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill that proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 816. The Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority despite 298 votes in favour.
The Lok Sabha passed key financial business, including the Finance Bill 2026-27, Demands for Grants and the Appropriation Bill, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replying to debates. The session was marked by protests over issues such as the West Asia crisis, fuel concerns, and demands for greater scrutiny of certain legislations. Several bills, including those related to central armed police forces and transgender rights, were passed, while some faced opposition resistance. (FTI)
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