What democratic role does the opposition play during budget discussion in Parliament?

Correct answer: Scrutinising government expenditure and priorities

Direct answer: A is correct. The budget describes how the government expects to raise and spend public money. During discussion, opposition members examine proposed expenditure, ask why money is allocated to particular departments, point out omissions or waste and question whether priorities serve the public interest. They may also suggest changes through debate and parliamentary procedures. This does not mean that every opposition member must reject every proposal; it means that government plans should face informed public scrutiny. Option B is wrong because Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved by the opposition. Option C is wrong because the opposition does not appoint the judiciary as part of budget discussion. Option D is wrong because a Money Bill concerns public finance and cannot be made a private bill by the opposition. Memory cue: budget debate turns public money into a matter of public accountability.