Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Tensions escalated on the Parliament premises on Tuesday as leaders of the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc came close to a physical confrontation while shouting rival slogans.
The confrontation erupted amid the continuing deadlock in Parliament, with members of both sides raising slogans against their political opponents. Leaders from ruling parties shouted, “Rahul Gandhi, discussion se bhaag gaya,” while the INDIA bloc hit back with the slogan, “Chanda Chor, Gaddi Chhod.”
The heated exchange added to the growing confrontation between the government and the Opposition, with repeated disruptions and slogan-shouting overshadowing legislative business. The standoff has further deepened the uncertainty over the functioning of both Houses, as neither side appeared willing to yield ground.
The latest face-off came against the backdrop of mounting political tensions, with the Opposition demanding discussions on issues it considers crucial, while the ruling alliance accused its rivals of deliberately obstructing Parliament.
Meanwhile Parliament has passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha returned the Money Bill to the Lok Sabha following discussion. The Lok Sabha had earlier passed the Bill, which was then sent to the Rajya Sabha for discussion. Since it is a Money Bill, the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on its provisions and return it to the Lok Sabha, which may accept or reject those recommendations.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear that the legislation does not impose any tax on UPI and that the digital payment system will remain free for consumers.
The Finance Minister stated that the UPI-related amendment is only an enabling provision and does not itself impose any tax or transaction charge on users. Ms Sitharaman also said that the government does not intend to impose any MDR charges on small merchants, as they remain central to UPI’s inclusive growth.