Is passing Bills without discussion the new normal?
On Thursday (August 7, 2025), the Lok Sabha passed the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, without a discussion even as the Opposition continued to protest loudly in the House through the process. The Bill, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, authorises the State to spend ₹30,969 crore on its expenditure requirements during the current financial year. Ms. Sitharaman said that the Opposition's concern for Manipur was equivalent to 'crocodile tears' because they weren't allowing a discussion on releasing funds to the State marred by ethnic violence. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 on Thursday. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the legislation will reduce the compliance burden for Indian ships and will unlock the full potential of country's coastline. He said the Bill is also in tune with the concept of ease of doing business and ensures supply chain security for the country.
In another important development, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference, accused the EC of 'criminal fraud' and collusion with the BJP to steal elections. Mr. Gandhi claimed that 1,00,250 'fake votes' were created in the Mahadevapura Assembly seat under the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency to ensure a win for the BJP.
In response, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) asked him to submit his evidence under oath.
Mr. Gandhi listed out five different ways through which the alleged vote chori (theft) was done: duplicate voters, fake and invalid addresses, bulk voters at a single address, invalid photos, and the misuse of Form 6.
The BJP, meanwhile, accused Mr. Gandhi of showing 'selective outrage', stating that his allegation about 'large-scale' electoral roll fraud was a sign of 'frustration and election rage'.
On Friday, the Congress leadership, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Mr. Gandhi, will take out a protest march to the ECI office in Bengaluru.
In other news, leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have agreed in principle to field a candidate for the Vice-Presidential election even though the Opposition does not have the requisite numbers to win the election, just to force a contest. The decision was taken at a dinner meeting of the bloc hosted by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
This was the first physical meeting of the INDIA bloc partners after a gap of 14 months. The last meeting was on June 1, 2024. The Election Commission notified the election on Thursday. Nominations should be filed by August 21, and the election is scheduled to be held on September 9.
Meanwhile, leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) unanimously passed a resolution authorising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief and Union Minister J.P. Nadda to choose their candidate for the vice-presidential election.
For live updates from today's session, click here.
Until next time.
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