Parliament Gears Up for Stormy Monsoon Session As Debates Loom Over Op Sindoor, Electoral Roll
Parliament will also consider resolution seeking approval for extension of President's Rule in Manipur, which was imposed on February 13, under Article 356(1) of the Constitution.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament kicks off today, July 21, amid heightened political tension, as the Opposition's INDIA bloc prepares to launch a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government. Key flashpoints include the recent cross-border military operation, Operation Sindoor, and pressing domestic issues such as electoral roll revisions in Bihar.
This marks the first parliamentary session following Operation Sindoor, India's precision military response to terror camps in Pakistan. The operation was carried out after the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The Opposition is expected to demand a detailed explanation from the Prime Minister on the military action and its broader implications.
Session Timeline
The session is scheduled to run until August 21, 2025, with a planned adjournment from August 12 to 17 to accommodate Independence Day celebrations. In total, there will be 21 sittings over the span of 32 days.
Legislative Agenda: 15 Bills on the Table
Income Tax Bill, 2025 – Introduced in February and currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda.
Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – To update the 2017 state-specific GST Act.
Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Seeks to revise existing tax frameworks.
Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Aims to include IIM Guwahati under the IIM Act, 2017.
Additional maritime and infrastructure bills, such as the Coastal Shipping Bill, Merchant Shipping Bill, and Indian Ports Bill, as well as legal and cultural preservation bills like the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill and Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa Bill.
Also expected is financial business related to Demands for Grants for Manipur (2025–26) and the accompanying Appropriation Bill.
Opposition Demands PM's Direct Response
The INDIA bloc is insisting that Prime Minister Modi personally address Parliament regarding Operation Sindoor. In addition, they have raised concerns over former US President Donald Trump's recent claims about brokering peace between India and Pakistan, calling for an official clarification.
The Opposition also plans to spotlight the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging irregularities and voter deletions. Congress MP and Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, stressed the need for Modi's accountability. 'Parliament is more important than travelling abroad," he said, referencing the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the UK and Maldives from July 23 to 26.
Key Topics Expected To Dominate Debates
Beyond military and electoral concerns, the Opposition aims to bring up:
Restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The April Pahalgam terror attack.
Alleged irregularities in the Bihar voter revision process.
Kiren Rijiju has maintained that while the government is open to discussions on any issue — including Operation Sindoor — debates must adhere to established rules and procedures. Final decisions on the schedule and content of discussions will be made by the Business Advisory Committees of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
President's Rule in Manipur
Parliament will also consider a resolution seeking approval for the extension of President's Rule in Manipur, which was imposed on February 13, 2025, under Article 356(1) of the Constitution.
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