The opening day of the Budget Session 2026–27 witnessed sharp exchanges between the government and opposition after President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament was disrupted by protests.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at opposition parties, accusing them of bringing “shame” to the country with their conduct. “What the Opposition did when the President was addressing both Houses of Parliament makes the country ashamed. The country will never forgive Congress and its allies,” Rijiju said.

The minister condemned the uproar during tributes to national icons including Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhupen Hazarika, Sardar Patel, and Birsa Munda, calling it an insult to their legacy. “Politics can be done in anything, but politics in these matters, I think, the country will not forgive them,” he added.

The Opposition, however, defended its protest, describing it as “dignified” and aimed at opposing the government’s decision to scrap the MGNREGA scheme. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on X that the parties would use “all democratic means” to demand its restoration.

During her address, President Murmu highlighted the government’s new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G), which promises 125 days of employment guarantees in rural areas. Opposition MPs stood in protest as the scheme was mentioned.