The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to be a battleground between the government and the opposition, with a range of contentious issues ready to be debated. Scheduled to last from July 21 to August 21, 2025, the session will have 21 sittings. However, both houses will be adjourned between August 12 and August 18 to allow for Independence Day celebrations.
Several factors point towards a heated session. The opposition INDIA bloc is geared up to challenge the Modi-led government on multiple fronts. Key issues include the Pahalgam terror attack, the government's response to Operation Sindoor, and U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan. Concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, and alleged failures in foreign policy are also expected to be raised.
The Pahalgam terror attack, where the perpetrators have not yet been brought to justice, is a major point of contention. The opposition is demanding accountability from the government, labeling it an intelligence failure and a matter of national honor. Operation Sindoor, India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, is also under scrutiny. The opposition is likely to question the government on the details and implications of the operation.
Adding to the friction are Trump's repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The opposition is insisting that Prime Minister Modi address these claims in Parliament. The SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar is another contentious issue, with the opposition alleging that it threatens people's voting rights and is a "poll scam". They claim the revision is an attempt to disenfranchise voters ahead of the state elections. The tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in 260 fatalities, is also expected to be raised.
The government, however, is preparing to counter the opposition's onslaught. Senior BJP leaders have met to strategize and finalize their approach to the session. The government has expressed openness to discussing all issues, including Operation Sindoor, within the established rules and procedures. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of "niyam (rules)" and "parampara (conventions)" for the government.
The government has a busy legislative agenda, with 15 bills slated to be tabled during the session. This includes eight new bills for introduction, consideration, and passing, as well as seven pending bills. Key bills include the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to modernize and streamline India's taxation laws. Other important bills are The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, The Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025, and The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025.
Other bills include The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. Also listed are The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024. The government is also seeking approval for the extension of President's rule in Manipur and will present the Demand for Grants for the state.
The session is expected to be intense, with both the government and opposition prepared for a showdown. The debates are likely to revolve around governance, electoral transparency, foreign policy, and various legislative reforms.
