Today, the highly anticipated Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced in New Delhi, marking the first sitting since India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. With 21 sittings scheduled through August 21, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha convened under a tense atmosphere.
The session began with a pre-session meeting of floor leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, Kiren Rijiju, Amit Shah, and other senior ministers, which set a decisive tone for the upcoming debates. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised the government’s willingness to engage in discussions on “any topic of national importance,” prominently featuring Operation Sindoor and US President Trump’s recent claims of mediating a ceasefire.
However, opposition MPs immediately pressed for urgent discussions on critical issues such as the Pahalgam attack, Bihar voter-roll revision (SIR), and the recent Air India crash. Both Houses observed a solemn moment of silence in memory of the victims of Pahalgam and the Air India Ahmedabad crash.
The Lok Sabha, however, faced disruptions and was adjourned shortly after the commencement due to intense sloganeering by opposition members demanding an immediate debate on Operation Sindoor. The Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha amid their demand for a discussion on the April 22 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
The session is set to address more than 15 major bills, including the Income-Tax Bill, Bills of Lading Bill, and amendments to the IIM Act, alongside crucial debates on security, electoral reforms, and governance issues.
