Source: Sansad TV
Opposition Roars, Bills Sail in Monsoon Chaos!
New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament roared to life today with a dynamic clash of democratic voices, marking its first sitting since Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory airstrikes on Pakistani terror camps following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in multiple casualties, predominantly tourists.
Spanning July 21 to August 21 with 21 sittings over 32 days, including a break from August 12-18 for Independence Day, the session opened with the opposition India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc launching vigorous protests demanding transparency on security matters, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government countered with a robust defense of its actions and moved to secure the passage of the ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ Bill in Rajya Sabha. The day unfolded as a vivid reflection of India’s parliamentary democracy, where debate and dissent set the tone for the weeks ahead.
The session commenced with the national anthem resonating through both Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) and Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament), followed by tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and those lost in the Ahmedabad Air India crash on June 12, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media at Sansad Bhavan’s Hans Dwar, framing the session’s start as a “celebration of victory,” highlighting the Indian tricolour’s unfurling at the International Space Station on July 15, 2025, and Operation Sindoor’s airstrikes conducted on May 7, 2025. He emphasised the military’s role, noting, “The world has noted the strength of India’s armed forces,” and pointed to economic progress, including India’s advancement toward a top global economic ranking and a controlled inflation rate, alongside social achievements like expanded social security coverage. Modi urged unity, establishing a resolute tone for the government’s approach as the session began.
The legislative focus emerged early as Rajya Sabha took up the ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ Bill, introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, which had previously been approved by Lok Sabha in March 2025 and now awaits Presidential assent. The bill aims to replace the 1856 Indian Bills of Lading Act with a contemporary framework to enhance the shipping sector. Sonowal connected it to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, saying, This updates the legal system to support maritime trade. The government also introduced a list of 17 bills for the session, including the Income Tax Bill, 2025, and Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with discussions slated to begin after Question Hour.
The opposition, however, transformed the session’s opening into a platform for protest. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, submitted a Rule 267 notice to suspend business and call for a debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. In a passionate address, he stated, “I have submitted a notice under Rule 267… the government must inform us about the situation following the Pahalgam attack, as all parties have supported national efforts.” He referenced concerns raised by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding security measures and sought clarity, adding, “US President Donald Trump has made repeated statements about a ceasefire,” which drew attention in the chamber. Despite Leader of the House J.P. Nadda’s suggestion to address the matter later, Kharge’s demand for an immediate discussion led to a walkout by Congress members after a brief adjournment until noon.
In Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, voiced frustration over not being allowed to speak during the scheduled time, prompting chants of “jawab do” that resulted in adjournments until noon and 4 PM. The opposition also raised issues related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, the ongoing investigation into the Ahmedabad crash, and impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma, supported by a significant number of Members of Parliament (MPs) following a reported financial irregularity. The protests underscored the opposition’s determination as the day progressed.
The government responded with steadfast resolve. Modi, speaking to mediapersons outside the House, reaffirmed, “Operation Sindoor demonstrated our military capability,” while Nadda committed to a detailed discussion next week. Sonowal highlighted the ‘Bills of Lading’ bill’s passage as a trade advancement, and Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu addressed the Ahmedabad crash, assuring a thorough Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigation with a report forthcoming. The government scheduled a 16-hour Lok Sabha and 9-hour Rajya Sabha debate for the following week, adjusted for Modi’s planned international visit from July 23-27, a decision aimed at maintaining legislative progress. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Speaker Om Birla oversaw the proceedings, with Dhankhar coordinating with party leaders for a structured debate and Birla proposing post-Question Hour discussions, though the opposition’s stance kept tensions palpable.
Kharge’s address set the protest’s pace, opening with, “I seek to assist… we need a debate on Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor,” and pressing for government accountability. Modi countered with, “This session honours our achievements—let’s work together,” focusing on unity. Sonowal added, “The ‘Bills of Lading’ bill modernises our trade framework,” reinforcing the government’s position.
The day mirrored India’s democratic spirit, with opposition protests questioning the government’s handling of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, prompting a need for further clarification on security measures. The ‘Bills of Lading’ bill’s progress marked a legislative step, yet the focus remained on the day’s debates.
– global bihari bureau
