The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on a turbulent note on July 21, 2025, marked by repeated adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The primary cause of the disruptions was the Opposition's vociferous demand for an immediate discussion on "Operation Sindoor," the Indian armed forces' response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
From the outset, the Opposition sought to corner the government on multiple fronts, including the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and related foreign policy matters. They also raised concerns about claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his involvement in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The opposition insisted on a direct response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on these critical issues.
The Lok Sabha faced immediate disruptions, leading to its adjournment shortly after convening. Opposition members chanted slogans demanding Prime Minister Modi's response, effectively stalling the initial proceedings despite Speaker Om Birla's attempts to assure them that a discussion would be scheduled. Speaker Birla stated that discussions would take place according to parliamentary rules. Despite these assurances, the Opposition continued their protests, leading to repeated adjournments. The lower house was adjourned four times on the first day.
Similar scenes unfolded in the Rajya Sabha, which was also adjourned due to the uproar. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar acknowledged the Opposition's concerns and affirmed the government's willingness to engage in a comprehensive discussion. He stated his intention to meet with leaders to arrange a discussion and ensure sufficient time for it.
Several members of Congress and other opposition parties submitted adjournment notices in both houses to push for an immediate discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Congress MP B Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion, emphasizing the "urgent and serious national importance" of discussing alleged security lapses leading to the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent foreign policy implications of Operation Sindoor. Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for detailed deliberation on the events following Operation Sindoor.
Prior to the session, Prime Minister Modi characterized the Monsoon Session as a "Vijay Utsav," celebrating the Indian armed forces' success in Operation Sindoor. He also acknowledged the efforts of multi-party delegations that visited various countries to convey India's position after Operation Sindoor and expose Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism. The government had also convened an all-party meeting where Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed openness to discussing key issues, including Operation Sindoor, and sought the Opposition's cooperation for the smooth functioning of the House.
Despite the government's assurances and calls for cooperation, the Opposition remained firm in their demand for an immediate discussion, leading to a standstill on the session's opening day. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, criticized the government for allegedly suppressing the Opposition's voice, stating that while government members were allowed to speak, opposition members were not given the same opportunity.
