Geeta Singh
The government’s all-party meeting ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session saw the opposition aggressively raise contentious issues, including Bihar’s voter list revision, Odisha’s law and order situation, and the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting, chaired by BJP President and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda, aimed to ensure smooth parliamentary proceedings but quickly turned into a platform for opposition parties to voice their grievances.
Key Opposition Demands
Congress: Questions on Defense & Elections
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the Pahalgam terror attack and the “questionable statements” from the US about India’s military. He also criticized the PM’s continued absence from the Manipur crisis and the Election Commission’s “non-consultative” approach to voter list revisions. “We expect the PM to speak on national security and Manipur. The EC isn’t even talking to parties,” Gogoi stated.
AAP: Focus on Bihar & US Mediation Claims
AAP’s Sanjay Singh highlighted alleged “electoral fraud” in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and referenced former US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating an India–Pakistan ceasefire. “The INDIA bloc is for Lok Sabha polls only. AAP will contest state elections independently,” Singh clarified.
BJD: Odisha’s “Collapsing” Law & Order
BJD’s Sasmit Patra slammed the BJP-led state government: “Odisha’s lawlessness is the Centre’s responsibility too. This must be debated in Parliament.”
Absentees & Attendees
Present: NCP’s Supriya Sule, leaders from both Shiv Sena factions
Absent: Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, MVA’s Sunil Tatkare (due to a prior commitment)
INDIA Bloc’s Unified Stand
A day earlier, the 28-party INDIA alliance resolved to prioritize:
The Pahalgam attack and the sudden halt of Operation Sindoor
Bihar’s SIR controversy (with a potential 15% voter disenfranchisement)
Trump’s mediation claims in India–Pakistan tensions
Government’s Response
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed for cooperation:
“We’re ready to discuss all issues. Let’s ensure productive debates.”
Junior Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal echoed the sentiment.
Session Agenda
The 21-day Monsoon Session (July 21–August 21) will include:
7 bills for passage, including: Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 (public trust), National Sports Administration Bill 2025 and 8 bills are listed for discussion.
With the 2026 state elections looming, Bihar’s SIR and Odisha’s governance have become political flashpoints. The opposition’s coordinated strategy signals heightened confrontations in Parliament.
As Parliament prepares for its Monsoon Session, Sunday’s all-party meeting mirrored India’s long history of contentious legislative battles.
The opposition launched a coordinated offensive on issues ranging from Bihar’s voter list revision to national security concerns. The gathering, chaired by BJP President JP Nadda, served as a prelude to what political analysts predict could be one of the most turbulent sessions in recent years.
Historical Parallels: From 2008 to 2024
The current standoff bears striking resemblance to several pivotal moments in India’s parliamentary history:
2008 Nuclear Deal Standoff
The UPA government faced 11 consecutive adjournments over the US–India nuclear agreement
Opposition protests led to rare midnight parliamentary sessions
2015 Land Bill Controversy
Modi government’s proposed land acquisition changes triggered 40+ hours of debate
The bill was eventually referred to a joint committee
2020–21 Farm Laws
Record 13 opposition walkouts during the Monsoon Session
Culminated in the repeal of the laws after year-long protests
The Bihar Flashpoint: A Legacy of Electoral Reforms
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy evokes memories of:
1993 Booth Capturing Bill (following rampant electoral fraud in Bihar)
2005 Electoral Roll Purge (removing ~1.2 million bogus voters)
2022 Assam NRC Debate (similar allegations of disenfranchisement)
“The EC has historically walked a tightrope between cleaning rolls and ensuring inclusivity,” explained former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi. “But the 15% exclusion rate being alleged in Bihar would be unprecedented since Independence,“ he added.
Security Debates: From Kargil to Pahalgam
The opposition’s focus on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor draws direct parallels to:
1999 Kargil Session
Unprecedented cross-party unity on national security
Established India’s “no-territory-compromise” doctrine
2016 Surgical Strikes Debate
12-hour marathon discussion in the Lok Sabha
Set a precedent for parliamentary oversight of military operations
As the Monsoon Session begins, historical precedents suggest the stage is set for confrontation:
The 2021 Monsoon Session saw just 18% productivity in the Rajya Sabha
The 2023 session had 40% fewer bills passed than scheduled
With the INDIA bloc invoking parliamentary traditions of scrutiny and the government emphasizing legislative productivity, this session may redefine opposition–government dynamics ahead of the 2026 state elections.
As former Speaker Somnath Chatterjee often remarked, “Parliament’s strength lies in debate, not disruption” — a maxim that will be tested in the coming weeks.
