The Monsoon Session of Parliament reconvened today, July 24, 2025, after three days of repeated disruptions due to opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have faced repeated adjournments as opposition members demand a discussion on the issue and the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a debate on what they are calling "Operation Sindoor".
The opposition, led by the INDIA bloc, alleges that the SIR has resulted in the unfair removal of 52 lakh voters from Bihar's electoral rolls. They claim this revision is an attack on democracy, designed to disenfranchise marginalized communities and shrink the voter base in favor of the ruling party. Many opposition MPs are expected to wear black bands today in protest, expressing their anger and solidarity with those who may lose their voting rights.
On Wednesday, July 23, both Houses were adjourned for the day after opposition members stormed the Well of the Lok Sabha, waving placards and raising slogans. Speaker Om Birla expressed his disapproval of the behavior, stating that the protesting MPs were acting as if they were on the streets and warned that he would be forced to take "decisive" action against them. He emphasized that MPs are not supposed to carry placards and should behave in a manner that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.
The Congress party has been particularly vocal in its criticism of the SIR, with one MP, Pramod Tiwari, calling it a "murder of democracy" and alleging a wider conspiracy to disenfranchise voters ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Another Congress MP, Manickam Tagore, submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, calling the SIR exercise "dangerous and unconstitutional" and accusing the Modi government of trying to disenfranchise the poor, Dalits, backward, and marginalized communities.
The government has accepted the opposition's request for a discussion on Operation Sindoor, with the debate likely to be held next Monday, July 28. Sixteen hours have been allotted for a special discussion in both houses, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will respond on behalf of the government.
Adding another layer to the parliamentary proceedings, the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has created a new twist in the ongoing session. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has begun preparations for the Vice-Presidential election, including setting up the electoral college and finalizing returning officers.
The disruptions in Parliament reflect the deep divisions between the government and the opposition on several key issues, including the SIR in Bihar and Operation Sindoor. The opposition's protests highlight their concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, as well as their broader grievances with the government's policies and actions. As the Monsoon Session continues, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can find common ground and engage in productive debate on the issues facing the country.
