Lok Sabha passes Manipur Budget amid Opposition uproar

Even as Lok Sabha proceedings got washed out amid sustained protests by the Congress-led Opposition, which has been seeking a discussion on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Lower House on Thursday passed the Manipur Budget for 2025–26 amid bedlam through voice vote. The House was adjourned for the day soon after the passage of the Bill.

Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13 this year, and the Parliament has also approved the resolution to extend it till February 2026. The Bill authorises a total outlay of Rs 30,969.44 crore, including a previously presented sum of Rs 35,103.90 crore in March.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Bill under Article 356, defended the move as a “Constitutional necessity”, urging members to focus on constructive debate rather than disruption. Despite her appeals, the budget and the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 were cleared by voice vote.

Presiding over the House, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal repeatedly called for order and reminded members that the SIR in Bihar was a matter sub-judice before the Supreme Court and thus not a subject which is to be discussed in the House.

“Are you here only to disrupt proceedings from day one?” he questioned the protesting Opposition members, who were shouting slogans in the Well of the House, armed with banners and posters.

The budget includes an additional central allocation of Rs 2,898 crore, of which Rs 1,667 crore is for capital expenditure and Rs 1,231 crore for revenue expenditure. Sitharaman outlined targeted measures aimed at stabilising the fragile socio-economic environment in Manipur, which has been grappling with conflict and displacement.

Some of the key allocations include Rs 523 crore for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons; Rs 542 crore for security infrastructure; Rs 500 crore for deployment of Central Armed Police Forces; Rs 633 crore to clear high-interest public sector loans; and Rs 700 crore for capital infusion into critical sectors.

Slamming the Opposition, Sitharaman said she was “surprised” by their resistance to the funding, especially from parties that had previously expressed concern for the state. “Those who shed ‘ghariyali aansoo’ (crocodile tears) for Manipur are now denying funds essential for its recovery,” she said.

She also introduced a Bill to authorise payments from the Consolidated Fund of the State of Manipur for 2025-26, which was taken up along with discussion and voting on the Demands for Grants before the House adjourned for the day.

As tensions continue in the northeastern state, the Finance Minister reiterated that the budget is a crucial step in restoring stability, rebuilding infrastructure, and reinstating public trust in Manipur.