Parliament's Monsoon Session Set to Ignite Political Debates
Overview of the Upcoming Monsoon Session
File image of the Lok Sabha. (Picture used for representational purpose).
New Delhi, July 19: The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on Monday, with expectations of intense discussions as the government prepares to advance a comprehensive legislative agenda. Meanwhile, the Opposition is gearing up to challenge the government on various political and governance matters.
This session, which will run until August 13, unfolds against a backdrop of evolving political dynamics within the Opposition and renewed efforts by the BJP-led NDA to garner support for significant legislation.
Although the government has not officially included the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 in its legislative agenda, it is anticipated that another attempt will be made to introduce and pass this bill after its previous failure.
The proposed amendment aims to reserve 33% of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from the 2029 general elections, necessitating a new delimitation exercise and an increase in the Lower House's strength.
For the bill to pass, a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament is required.
This legislation has already become a significant point of contention. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to request an all-party meeting regarding the matter, while the BJP is actively seeking broader political support.
Despite the Congress asserting that parties within the INDIA bloc will oppose the bill, some Opposition factions, including the NCP-SP and Shiv Sena (UBT), have suggested they might back it if sufficient safeguards for states are included.
Political events outside Parliament could also impact the numbers. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to make a ruling on claims from 20 Trinamool Congress MPs seeking recognition after merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, along with six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs wishing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
A favorable decision for these MPs would bolster the NDA's standing in the Lok Sabha, although it would still fall short of the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
In addition to the constitutional bill, the government has outlined several contentious proposals for consideration during this session.
These proposals include the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, the Vikshit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, legislation aimed at criminalizing the obstruction or insult of the National Song Vande Mataram, and bills to replace ordinances related to increasing the number of Supreme Court judges and capital tax exemptions for foreign institutional investors in government bonds.
On the other hand, the Opposition is preparing to launch a vigorous campaign against the government. Congress has indicated it will address issues such as alleged institutional capture, political defections, corruption, rising prices, foreign policy, ethanol blending in petrol, the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the NEET paper leak.
A broader meeting of Opposition parties is anticipated on Monday morning, despite visible tensions within the INDIA bloc.
The session will also commence amid the planned march to Parliament by the Cockroach Janta Party on Monday, contributing to the politically charged environment.
Prior to the session, the Centre held the customary all-party meeting on Sunday, emphasizing that the passage of key legislation will be its primary focus during the Monsoon Session.