Congress Gears Up to Challenge Modi Government in Budget Session 2026, Plans to Raise Key Issues in Parliament

The Congress party has announced that it will aggressively question the Modi government during the 2026 Budget Session of Parliament, which begins on Wednesday. Party leaders said they will focus on issues including the government’s foreign policy, rising U.S. tariffs, the falling value of the rupee, the proposed termination of MGNREGA, and several other matters of public interest.

Allegations of Weakening Constitutional Institutions
Following the all-party meeting, Congress Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, accused the government of undermining powers granted by the Constitution and weakening constitutional institutions. He also said the opposition would raise concerns about India’s foreign policy, questioning the country’s strategic position and alliances: “Where has our foreign policy reached? No one is standing with us. We are unsure whom to align with and who will support us.”

Economic and Environmental Concerns
Congress leaders highlighted the economy, pointing out that the rupee has hit record lows against the dollar, while U.S. tariffs continue to impact trade. The party also plans to raise the issue of Russian oil imports and the alarming air pollution witnessed in Delhi and other cities. They intend to bring attention to deaths caused by contaminated water in Indore as well.

Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Scheme and Employment Issues
The party criticized the government for renaming and effectively dismantling MGNREGA, claiming that rural employment is being cut while even the scheme’s name honoring Mahatma Gandhi has been removed. Other key issues Congress plans to raise include the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, allegations of vote fraud, and unemployment.