Opposition leaders walk out of the Indian Parliament in protest, holding signs and raising their voices against key legislative decisions.
The latest session of the Indian Parliament featured intense debates and political drama. As a result, the government introduced key bills, while the opposition staged a significant walkout. Among the most controversial discussions were the Income Tax Bill 2025 and the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, both of which sparked nationwide conversations. Consequently, these developments intensified the political landscape.
Parliament Session: Income Tax Bill 2025 Debate and Opposition Reactions
On February 13, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Income Tax Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, thereby simplifying tax laws to reduce litigation and increase compliance. Some of the significant highlights of the bill include:
- Reduction in complexity: The bill reduces the number of sections from over 800 to 536, thus eliminating outdated provisions. This change aims to make tax laws easier to understand and implement.
- Simplification of tax laws: The government claims that the new structure is easier to follow for taxpayers, ensuring a more transparent system. Furthermore, the streamlined laws could encourage better compliance.
- Enhanced compliance mechanisms: The government has streamlined tax payments. This approach not only encourages voluntary compliance but also simplifies the process for businesses and individuals alike.
However, opposition parties criticized the bill, claiming that it lacks clarity and fails to address critical taxation issues. Congress MP Manish Tewari argued that the bill’s complexity remains a challenge. Meanwhile, TMC MP Saugata Roy called the changes “mechanical” rather than substantial. As a result, these concerns sparked debates across political circles (Hindustan Times).
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025: Controversy and Opposition Walkout
Another flashpoint in the session was the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which led to major uproar. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) submitted its report. However, opposition members alleged that their dissenting opinions were excluded, which caused further discontent.
Key concerns raised by opposition MPs included:
- Bias in the JPC report: Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain criticized it as “completely biased and one-sided.” Many leaders echoed this sentiment, stating that their concerns were ignored. Therefore, they demanded more transparency in the process.
- Exclusion of dissenting notes: TMC MP Nadimul Haque accused the government of redacting critical points. This move, according to the opposition, undermines the democratic process. As a result, they called for amendments.
- Impact on religious properties: Several opposition leaders claimed that the bill could lead to undue interference. They worry it might affect religious properties beyond Waqf lands. Consequently, legal complications could arise in the future.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the report, asserting that it followed parliamentary rules. He maintained that only portions with procedural inconsistencies had been removed. However, this response failed to ease tensions among the opposition (New Indian Express).
Parliament Session Protests: Opposition Walkouts Over Key Bills
The introduction of these bills resulted in multiple walkouts and protests by opposition parties. Consequently, parliamentary proceedings faced repeated disruptions. The most notable issues that triggered protests were:
- The tabling of the Income Tax Bill – Opposition leaders claimed that inadequate time was provided for review and discussion. This led to immediate resistance and prompted further demands for detailed deliberation.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill report – Allegations of procedural lapses led to demands for re-evaluation. Many MPs argued that proper parliamentary practices were ignored. Consequently, they walked out in protest.
- Maltreatment of Indian deportees by the US – Several lawmakers raised concerns over reports that deported Indians faced inhumane treatment. They stated that individuals returning from the United States should not experience such conditions. Therefore, they urged the government to take immediate action (AP News).
Parliamentary Reactions and Future Impact of Key Bills
As the session continues, the government remains determined to push through key legislative changes despite opposition pushback. While the government argues that these reforms will benefit the country in the long run, critics insist that the lack of transparency in parliamentary procedures remains concerning. If discussions remain polarized, future legislative processes could face similar challenges. Consequently, the political divide may widen further.
Conclusion
The ongoing political battle between the ruling party and the opposition continues. The Income Tax Bill 2025 and Waqf (Amendment) Bill remain contentious issues. These debates will likely shape upcoming political discourse. As the government moves forward with its agenda, the opposition is expected to intensify efforts to challenge these legislative amendments. Furthermore, additional debates and protests are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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