Budget Session 2025: Opposition Gears Up for Showdown Over Voter ID Controversy & Manipur Crisis

The Budget Session is expected to start with a huge bang about the issue of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers on March 10. There will likely be heated discussions on several topics between the opposition and the administration. The opposition also intends to voice concerns on Manipur's violence, India's ties with the Trump administration, and purported voter list manipulation.

In contrast, the administration will concentrate on adopting the Waqf Amendment Bill, finishing the financial process, obtaining parliamentary approval for grant requests, and approving Manipur's budget. To enforce President's Rule in Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah may also forward a legislative proposal and ask Parliament for ratification. On March 10, Manipur's budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

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Opposition's Strategy on Voter List Manipulation

Regarding duplicate voter ID (EPIC) numbers, the opposition is ready to corner the government. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) played an important role in bringing this issue to light recently. The Election Commission has responded by declaring that remedial actions will be taken in the upcoming three months. The Election Commission, however, has denied the TMC's assertion that changes were made to the voter list to enable electors from other states to vote in West Bengal. The Commission explained that although certain voter ID numbers might be the same, other information would not change, including polling station, assembly constituency, and demographic data.

Waqf Amendment Bill – A Government Priority

Getting the Waqf Amendment Bill passed as soon as possible will be the government's primary goal. At the India Today Conclave, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju recently said that the government is keen to approve this law quickly since it would address several issues about the Muslim community. The Joint Parliamentary Committee has presented its findings on the bill to the Lok Sabha following significant opposition.

INDIA Alliance’s Strategy

The leaders of the INDIA Alliance will talk and work together to fight the Waqf Amendment Bill, said Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh. Congress will keep pointing out anomalies in the election procedure. Additionally, Congress will express alarm about Trump's threats of reciprocal tariffs and call for a bipartisan collective resolution to address them during the second phase of the Budget Session.