Deve Gowda backs Budget; calls for focus on jobs, farmers, inclusive growth

IANS | February 11, 2026 3:50 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Former Prime Minister and JD(S) MP H.D. Deve Gowda expressed support for the Union Budget 2026-27 during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha. He praised its overall direction while calling for greater emphasis on employment, inclusive growth and regional priorities.

Left Front-Cong alliance in Bengal unlikely, says CPI(M); backs joint Oppn stand on SIR (IANS Interview)

IANS | February 11, 2026 3:14 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby on Wednesday indicated that the possibility of an electoral understanding between the Left Front and the Congress in West Bengal is remote, even as he underlined that Opposition parties remain united on select national issues, including concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Rahul Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju spar over 'nation sold out' charge during Budget debate in LS

IANS | February 11, 2026 2:50 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce critique of the Modi government over the Union Budget 2026-27, alleging that the Prime Minister "compromised" India’s energy security interests and sold out the nation to foreign powers, prompting loud protests from the treasury benches. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to his “wild” references and asked him to engage in constructive criticism.