The Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2025 was nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by heated debates, unexpected controversies, and moments of both drama and levity. Running from July 21 to August 12, the session was packed with 21 sittings and a robust legislative agenda. Here are seven highlights that captured the essence of this eventful session:
Operation Sindoor Under Scrutiny: The covert mission conducted by Indian security forces to neutralize terror elements became a major point of contention. The Opposition demanded transparency and questioned whether constitutional procedures were followed. Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of demoralizing the armed forces, while Rahul Gandhi criticized the government's foreign policy. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the operation, stating that India had sent a clear message to terror sponsors. The debate culminated in Opposition members staging a walkout.
Trump's Ceasefire Claim: Former US President Donald Trump's claim that he had negotiated a ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani forces in late 2023 stirred a massive controversy. The Ministry of External Affairs swiftly denied the claim, but the Opposition pressed for clarification, questioning whether India's sovereignty had been compromised.
Disruptions and Adjournments: The session faced significant disruptions, leading to loss of productive time in both Houses. Protests and adjournments overshadowed debates and discussions. The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman noted that a significant amount of time was lost due to disruptions. The cost of running Parliament is approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per minute, raising concerns about the financial implications of these disruptions.
Clash Over Bihar Electoral Roll Revision: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar became a contentious issue. Opposition parties alleged that the revision aimed to give an advantage to the ruling alliance in upcoming elections. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav led protests against the voter roll revision, demanding its rollback.
Government's Response to US Tariffs: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the newly announced 25% tariffs by the United States. He assured that the government was examining the implications and would take all necessary steps to protect India's national interests. Goyal emphasized the need to protect the interests of Indian farmers, workers, and MSMEs.
Fiery Speeches and Accusations: The session witnessed emotionally charged speeches and sharp rebuttals. Amit Shah asserted that terrorism spread in the country due to Congress' votebank and appeasement politics. He also declared that Hindus can never be terrorists. Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of weakening India's defense and compromising national security.
Extension of President's Rule in Manipur: The Rajya Sabha was scheduled to consider a resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur. Home Minister Amit Shah moved a proposal for a six-month extension, effective from August 13.
The Monsoon Session 2025 was a mix of serious legislative business and political theater. While important issues were raised and debated, disruptions and controversies often took center stage. The session highlighted the ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, as well as the challenges of maintaining parliamentary decorum and productivity.
