Opposition ready to corner Modi-led govt in Parliament as monsoon session begins today
The government has said it is open to discussing all issues, including Operation Sindoor, but stressed that debates must be held in accordance with established parliamentary rules and procedures. This marks the first session of Parliament since Operation Sindoor, India's precision strike conducted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
"The Congress will also seek a response to US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar," party's communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
Opposition parties have insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should address the House on Operation Sindoor, as well as clarify the repeated claims made by Trump about having brokered peace between India and Pakistan. They have also demanded a discussion on the SIR process in Bihar.
"Our senior Army officers have raised a very sensitive issue about the two-front axis that has been formed on our border with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. So it is very important that we talk about defence and foreign policy," said Congress's Gaurav Gogoi after an all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session.
On the home front, Congress will seek a discussion on the restoration of full statehood for J&K, Schedule VI status for Ladakh and the situation in Manipur. The party's march in Jammu and Kashmir demanding statehood was foiled on Sunday.
The session will continue until August 21. Both Houses will be adjourned on August 12 and will reconvene on August 18 to facilitate Independence Day celebrations. The session will have 21 sittings spread over 32 days.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that 17 items of legislative and other business have been identified for the session, including 15 bills. He reaffirmed the government's readiness to engage in discussions on all key national issues, including Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the media after an all-party meeting, Rijiju said the government 'is not shying away and will never shy away' from debate, but emphasised that discussions must be conducted within the framework of 'niyam (rules)' and 'parampara (conventions)'.
Among the key legislations expected to be taken up are the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 13 and referred to a joint parliamentary committee led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. It is expected to come up for passage during this session.
The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to align the state's GST law with the Central legislation, is also on the agenda.
Other proposed legislations include the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, aimed at promoting ease of doing business and improving regulatory compliance; the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025; the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025; the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025; and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
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