ibn sultan
New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of the Parliament begins today (July 21), in what is expected to be a fiery sitting as the opposition aims to corner the government on several key issues.
This is the first Parliament sitting since Operation Sindoor, India’s precision airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the session before it officially begins at 11 am. The session will span from July 21 to August 21, encompassing 21 sittings over 32 days. Both Houses of Parliament will be adjourned from August 12 to August 17 to facilitate Independence Day celebrations, and will reconvene on August 18.
Opposition Demands
The Opposition, led by the INDIA bloc, demands answers and accountability on eight major concerns. They include: Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire, concerns over foreign policy, the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, rising atrocities against women, problems faced by farmers, and unemployment.
The bloc has pressed for a statement from Prime Minister Modi, especially on the Pahalgam terror attack, and Trump’s repeated claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan. The ongoing SIR in Bihar is another issue the Opposition wants to discuss, as parties have raised concerns over the transparency and timing of the exercise, accusing the government of attempting to influence the upcoming state elections.
Govt Says Open To Discuss Operation Sindoor
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters after the all-party meeting held on Sunday that the government was open to discussing Operation Sindoor “within rules and conventions”.
“We are very open to a discussion on important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are issues of great national importance. The government is not shying away and will never shy away, but is open to discussions within rules and conventions.” Rijiju said.
Noting that the government accords importance to ‘niyam’ (rules) and ‘parampara’ (conventions), he said the matters raised at the meeting would be taken up at the Business Advisory Committee of both houses, where a final decision would be taken.
“We have noted all the points. We have requested all parties (to ensure) the Parliament functions properly. Have to ensure coordination. It is the responsibility of all to help Parliament function,” he said.
On the opposition’s demand for PM Modi to make a statement on the Pahalgam attack and other issues, Rijiju said, “I want to make it clear that the prime minister remains in Parliament except during foreign travel. The prime minister always remains in Parliament, but the prime minister does not remain in the House all the time.”
PM Modi Unlikely To Respond To Opposition Demands
While the INDIA bloc insisted that Prime Minister Modi should issue statements on the Pahalgam terror attack, US President’s ‘ceasefire’ claims and SIR in Bihar, the prime minister is unlikely to respond in Parliament on these issues, PTI reported, quoting sources. The session, instead, is likely to see a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who held two key meetings on Friday evening with his ministerial colleagues and another with top military brass.
Several leaders, including those from the NDA, also want a discussion to highlight the achievements of the government’s foreign outreach through various Parliamentary delegations on Operation Sindoor. The government may also field External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to convey its view in Parliament, sources said.
List Of Bills Likely To Be Taken Up During Monsoon Session 2025
The government, meanwhile, is set to introduce several key bills during the session. These include proposed legislation on GST reforms, taxation laws, public trust regulation, sports governance, ports and minerals, and the preservation of geo-heritage sites.
A parliamentary panel report on the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, is also slated to be presented in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, Parliament is expected to debate a proposal for the removal of a judge, further adding to the weighty agenda.
Legislative Business
• The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024
• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024
• The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
• The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024
• The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024
• The Indian Ports Bill, 2025
• The Income-tax Bill, 2025
• The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025- To replace an Ordinance
• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
• The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
• The Taxation Laws (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
• The National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025.
• Financial Business
Discussion and voting on Demands for Grants (Manipur) for the year 2025-26 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.
Other Business
Resolution seeking approval of extension of President’s Rule imposed through Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th of February, 2025 under Article 356(1) of the Constitution of India in relation to the State of Manipur.
