Parliament’s Budget session resumes Monday, March 10, setting the stage for a fiery confrontation between the government and opposition over critical issues. Dubbed an ‘EPIC’ showdown, the opposition plans to spotlight alleged electoral roll manipulation, escalating violence in Manipur, and India’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Meanwhile, the government aims to secure approval for the Union Budget’s demands for grants, the Manipur budget, and the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill.

Home Minister Amit Shah will seek Parliament’s nod for President’s Rule in Manipur, imposed since February 13 after CM N. Biren Singh’s resignation, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables Manipur’s budget. The opposition, led by Trinamool Congress (TMC), is set to grill the government over duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, claiming voter list irregularities. Though the Election Commission dismissed TMC’s manipulation allegations, it promised corrective action within three months. TMC leaders, meeting the EC Monday, have rallied Congress, DMK, and Shiv Sena-UBT to amplify the issue in both Houses.

For the government, passing the Waqf Amendment Bill early is a top priority. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized its importance for resolving Muslim community concerns, despite opposition protests during a Joint Committee report submission. Other flashpoints include Manipur’s unrest, Trump’s tariff threats, and delimitation debates. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the INDIA bloc will fiercely oppose the Waqf Bill after “extensive consultation,” while alleging elections are no longer “free and fair” and raising Trump’s trade policies as a bipartisan concern.

Running until April 4, this second leg of the Budget session—following January 31 to February 13—promises intense debates, testing the government’s legislative agenda against a united opposition’s resolve.