Parliament’s Monsoon Session Plunges into Chaos Amidst Opposition Ruckus Over Electoral Rolls

The Indian Parliament’s Monsoon Session commenced with palpable tension this week, culminating in the adjournment of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The day was marked by vociferous protests from the Opposition, primarily concerning the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the state’s upcoming assembly elections. This significant Monsoon Session Disruption underscores a deepening chasm between the ruling government and the Opposition.

Key Highlights of the Monsoon Session Disruption:

• Adjournment of Both Houses:
  • The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until 11 am on Wednesday, July 23.
  • The Lok Sabha experienced two adjournments earlier in the day: first till 12 pm, and then again till 2 pm, as Opposition members continued their protest.
• The Core Issue: Bihar SIR:
  • Opposition members across both houses vehemently protested the Election Commission’s (EC) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
  • Leaders including Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav led protests at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, demanding an immediate halt to the exercise.
  • Protesters displayed placards with slogans such as “stealing of Indian Rights” and “death of democracy,” reflecting their grave concerns over the electoral process.
• Government’s Stance on Monsoon Session Disruption:
  • Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition for disrupting proceedings, asserting the government’s readiness for discussion.
  • Rijiju accused the Opposition of “wasting public money” by resorting to protests instead of engaging in debate. He highlighted the “double standard” of demanding discussion while simultaneously preventing the House from functioning.
• Presiding Officer’s Appeal:
  • Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika Pal, chairing the Lok Sabha, urged the Opposition to submit formal proposals and resolutions for consideration by the business advisory committee, rather than displaying placards.
  • Pal assured that time would be allotted for discussions, and the government would respond to legitimate concerns, questioning the necessity of the disruptive protests.
• Additional Opposition Demands:
  • Beyond the Bihar SIR, the INDIA bloc MPs also demanded discussions on the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s response through “Operation Sindoor.” These additional demands further contributed to the heated atmosphere and the Monsoon Session Disruption.

The repeated adjournments signal a challenging Monsoon Session ahead, with the Opposition seemingly determined to press its demands and the government equally resolute in its call for orderly parliamentary proceedings. The Monsoon Session Disruption on its second day sets a contentious tone for the remainder of the legislative period, raising questions about the productivity and effectiveness of the session. The focus remains on whether a constructive dialogue can resume or if the stalemate will continue, further impeding legislative work.