Budget Session 2026: Tributes Paid to Former MPs as Parliament’s Budget Session Phase 2 Starts

The second phase of the Budget Session of the Parliament of India began today, and intense debates and possible disruptions are expected in both Houses. The opposition has moved a proposal seeking the removal of Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, which could trigger a major political confrontation. As proceedings began, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paid tributes to former members who recently passed away. The House observed a moment of silence in memory of former MPs Punnama Shriram and K. P. Unnikrishnan. Punnama Shriram had represented the Gopalganj Parliamentary Constituency in Bihar and had also served multiple terms in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, including a tenure as a minister in the state government. He passed away on 25 February 2026 in Patna at the age of 76. K. P. Unnikrishnan served as a member of several Lok Sabhas representing the Vadakara Parliamentary Constituency in Kerala. He also served as Union Minister for Surface Transport and Communications and was part of multiple parliamentary committees. He passed away on 3 March 2026 in Kozhikode at the age of 89. Following the tribute, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 12 PM, while Rajya Sabha proceedings continued. Later in the day, S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, is expected to deliver a statement in both Houses regarding the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel, and Iran, which has become a major global concern.