India's Parliament is bracing for a contentious Monsoon Session, commencing today, July 21, 2025, with several significant issues poised to ignite heated debates between the ruling and opposition parties. Among the key topics expected to dominate the session are the scrutiny of Operation Sindoor, concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, and other crucial legislative matters.
One of the major points of contention is expected to be Operation Sindoor, India's military action targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The opposition is likely to press the government for details and justifications of the operation, especially after a controversy erupted over remarks made by the Indian defence attaché in Indonesia. The attaché's comments suggested that the Indian Air Force had suffered losses during the operation due to constraints imposed by the political leadership, which allegedly restricted them from targeting Pakistani military installations. These remarks have been interpreted by the opposition as the government misleading the country about the true cost and impact of the operation. The government has signaled its willingness to discuss Operation Sindoor but has cautioned that the debate must adhere to established rules and procedures.
Adding fuel to the fire, the opposition is expected to seek clarification on claims made by former US President Donald Trump that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the conflict. These claims have been a source of contention, with India denying any US mediation and maintaining that the ceasefire was achieved through bilateral talks between the two militaries.
Another contentious issue set to rock the Parliament is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which the opposition INDIA bloc alleges could disenfranchise voters. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about irregularities and potential manipulation of the electoral rolls, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.
Beyond these contentious issues, the government aims to introduce and pass several important bills during the Monsoon Session. A key highlight is the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the decades-old Income Tax Act with a simplified and more streamlined tax system. Other significant bills include the National Sports Governance Bill, the Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill.
The session is scheduled to have 21 sittings spread over 32 days, but both houses will be adjourned on August 12 and reassemble on August 18 to facilitate Independence Day celebrations. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has indicated that the government has identified 17 items of legislative and other business to be taken up during the session.
The opposition is also likely to raise concerns about foreign policy "failures" and "atrocities" in Gaza, the delimitation exercise, and alleged targeting of Scheduled Castes/Tribes, women, and minorities in the country. Additionally, the Congress party is expected to focus on the Pahalgam terror attack in the first week of the Monsoon Session.
Given the array of contentious issues and the government's legislative agenda, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is anticipated to be a stormy and eventful period. The debates and discussions are expected to be intense, with the opposition keen to hold the government accountable on various fronts. The session's outcome will likely have significant implications for the political landscape and the country's policy direction.