The Telangana Assembly witnessed another major confrontation on September 9, with more than 20 Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs suspended for the remainder of the monsoon session after opposition members protested inside the House.

The action came amid a continuing political dispute over alleged objectionable remarks made by BRS MLCs against Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar and the events surrounding protests outside the legislature earlier in the week.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also announced that IPS officer Vijay Kumar would head an investigation into the incidents reported since September 6, including the alleged conspiracy linked to the remarks against the Speaker.

BRS MLAs Protest Near Speaker's Podium

The suspension was announced by Speaker G. Prasad Kumar after Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu moved a motion during the proceedings.

BRS legislators had gathered near the Speaker's podium while raising slogans demanding justice. The disruption came as the opposition sought discussion on the action taken against its members and other issues it wanted the House to take up.

Among those suspended were BRS deputy floor leader T. Harish Rao and senior party MLAs including K.T. Rama Rao, G. Jagadishwar Reddy, P. Kaushik Reddy, P. Sabita Indra Reddy and T. Srinivas Yadav.

The suspension is for the remaining duration of the monsoon session.

Revanth Reddy Announces IPS-Led Investigation

The Chief Minister told the Assembly that IPS officer Vijay Kumar would lead the investigation into the incidents that unfolded from September 6.

The inquiry will also examine the alleged conspiracy concerning remarks attributed to BRS MLCs against Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. The government has presented the matter as one involving the dignity and functioning of the legislature.

The dispute had already triggered disciplinary action in the Legislative Council. BRS MLCs Tata Madhusudhan and K. Naveen Kumar Reddy were suspended for the remainder of the Council session over alleged derogatory remarks directed at the Speaker. 

Assembly Had Earlier Condemned MLCs' Conduct

The Telangana Assembly had earlier passed a resolution condemning what it described as highly derogatory and unparliamentary remarks allegedly made by the two BRS MLCs.

The resolution also objected to their conduct within the Assembly precincts and called for action under the applicable legislative rules. It sought an apology from BRS chief and Leader of the Opposition K. Chandrashekar Rao. 

BRS, however, has challenged the action and questioned why its legislators were being suspended while they were demanding discussions on issues they said affected the public.

Opposition Raises Section 22A and Other Issues

BRS deputy floor leader Harish Rao argued that public concerns had been pushed aside during the first three days of the session.

Among the issues highlighted by the opposition were properties listed under Section 22A of the Registration Act, pending fee reimbursement, government employees' demands relating to DA and the Pay Revision Commission, and the proposed merger of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation with the government.

BJP Legislature Party leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy also said his party would protest unless the Section 22A issue was included in the Assembly's agenda. He later announced a walkout, while indicating that the BJP would participate if the issue and other public concerns were taken up.

Panchayat Raj Amendment Bill Introduced

Amid the political disruption, the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Assembly.

The bill was moved by Panchayat Raj Minister Dansari Anasuya Seethakka. The House also had a scheduled list of questions covering issues including employment-guarantee scheme wages, food adulteration in Gurukul schools, rural sports, tourism, roads, accident insurance for government employees and interest-free loans for self-help groups.

House to Meet Again on September 10

After the day's proceedings, the Telangana Legislative Assembly was adjourned and is scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. on September 10.

The Legislative Council was also adjourned to meet again on Thursday.

The latest confrontation underscores the widening political friction between the ruling Congress and BRS during the monsoon session. With the suspension of more than 20 BRS MLAs and an IPS-led investigation now announced, the proceedings on September 10 are expected to remain politically charged.

New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has reportedly conveyed to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that the proposed Delimitation Bill is "completely unacceptable" to the Congress Party. The remarks came during a meeting between the two leaders as the Centre sought support from the Opposition for key constitutional amendment proposals.

Rahul Gandhi Reiterates Congress Stand

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Congress does not support the proposed Delimitation Bill in its current form. The meeting was part of the government's effort to break the political deadlock and gather support for legislation related to delimitation and the implementation of women's reservation

Despite the Centre's outreach, Congress has maintained that its position on the issue remains unchanged.

Government Continues Outreach

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Rahul Gandhi as part of consultations with opposition parties on the proposed constitutional amendments. The discussions reportedly lasted around 50 minutes, but no consensus emerged. (The Economic Times)

The government is exploring the possibility of introducing the legislation during the ongoing Monsoon Session instead of convening a separate special session.

Congress to Respond After Internal Discussions

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed that discussions had taken place with Rijiju regarding the Delimitation Bill. He said the party would deliberate internally before issuing any formal response, while reiterating that the Congress' overall position has not changed. (The Economic Times)

Delimitation Remains a Major Political Issue

The proposed delimitation exercise has become one of the most debated political issues in Parliament. Several opposition parties, particularly from southern states, have expressed concerns that redrawing parliamentary constituencies based on updated population figures could alter the balance of representation among states. 

The Centre, meanwhile, continues to engage with political parties in an attempt to secure the broad support required for a constitutional amendment. 

New Delhi: The Central Government has clarified that it has no plans to convene a special session of Parliament to introduce the Delimitation Bill or the Women's Reservation Bill later this month. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed reports suggesting that a three-day special session would be held between August 16 and August 18.

Instead, the government is considering introducing the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, provided sufficient political support can be secured.

No Proposal for Special Session

Speaking to the media, Rijiju said there is currently no proposal to summon a separate special session for the two key legislations.

His remarks came amid speculation that the Centre was preparing to call Parliament back after the Monsoon Session specifically to push the Delimitation Bill and legislation related to women's reservation.

Government Seeks Wider Political Consensus

Sources indicated that the government has initiated consultations with various political parties to build consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment.

As part of these efforts, Rijiju reportedly met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting the legislation.

However, according to sources, the Congress has not extended its support at this stage.

Congress Yet to Finalise Its Position

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed that discussions had taken place with the Parliamentary Affairs Minister regarding the delimitation proposal.

He said the party would deliberate internally before communicating its official position. According to Venugopal, the Congress and the broader Opposition continue to maintain their previously stated stand on the issue until further discussions are completed.

Opposition Continues Protest in Parliament

The political developments unfolded amid continued Opposition protests inside and outside Parliament over several national issues.

Opposition MPs held demonstrations within the Parliament complex, marching from the Gandhi statue while raising slogans and displaying placards. During the protest, leaders also highlighted other issues, including allegations related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation controversy.

Earlier Attempt Failed

The Centre had earlier convened a three-day special session in April, during which the proposed Constitutional Amendment relating to delimitation and allied legislation was discussed.

However, the government was unable to secure the required numbers to move the constitutional amendment forward, prompting renewed efforts during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

As discussions continue, the government is expected to engage with additional political parties in an effort to build the broad parliamentary support necessary for any constitutional amendment.

A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday between Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, as the Opposition intensified its demand for Home Minister Amit Shah to make a statement in Parliament over the alleged police action against student protesters.

The confrontation took place during the Monsoon Session amid repeated disruptions and sloganeering by Opposition members, leading to multiple adjournments in both Houses.

Kharge Defends Right to Speak

Responding to Rijiju's remarks, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that it was his parliamentary right to decide what to speak and when to speak.

Kharge accused the government of attempting to dictate proceedings in the House and questioned why Amit Shah had not appeared in Parliament to respond to the Opposition's concerns.

He also referred to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley's earlier observations that disruptions were part of parliamentary democracy, arguing that the Opposition was raising legitimate issues concerning students.

Rijiju Urges Opportunity for New MPs

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered that Kharge was repeatedly speaking on the same subject while preventing newly elected Opposition MPs from participating in debates.

Citing Congress leader Pawan Khera, Rijiju said the first-time Rajya Sabha member had not yet been given an opportunity to deliver his maiden speech because senior leaders continued occupying the discussion time.

Rijiju further maintained that the Leader of the Opposition could request the Chair but could not dictate which minister should appear before the House.

Opposition Continues Protest

Opposition MPs continued raising slogans demanding that Home Minister Amit Shah address Parliament over the alleged July 20 police action against student protesters.

Members repeatedly chanted slogans calling upon Shah to come to the House, while several Opposition parties also sought discussions on the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft issue.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated interruptions before being adjourned for an hour.

Amit Shah Arrives in Parliament

Amid the ongoing political confrontation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Parliament during the day.

Government sources indicated that Shah was expected to participate in the Lok Sabha discussion on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, although the Opposition continued demanding a separate statement specifically on the student protest issue.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Without Debate

The Lok Sabha later passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill without debate before proceedings were adjourned until 11 am on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the House also observed a tribute to the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, with a visiting Japanese parliamentary delegation joining the proceedings.

Parliament Remains Deadlocked

The latest confrontation reflects the continuing deadlock during the Monsoon Session, with the Opposition insisting on discussions over alleged police action against students and other issues before allowing normal legislative business to proceed.

The government, meanwhile, has maintained that Parliament should continue functioning and legislative work should not be disrupted.

New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament entered its 14th day on Thursday with the government preparing to table several significant legislative proposals in both Houses. After repeated disruptions and protests during previous sittings, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are expected to deliberate on important financial and constitutional matters, including amendments to tax laws, the Appropriation Bill, the Delimitation Bill and the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill.

In the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for discussion and passage. The proposed legislation seeks amendments to the Income-Tax Act, 2025, the Finance Act, 2026, and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, with the objective of streamlining taxation procedures, strengthening digital payment regulations and improving financial governance.

The government is expected to present the rationale behind the proposed amendments before members debate the bill. If approved by the House, the legislation will bring several procedural and administrative changes to India's tax framework.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is scheduled to take up the Appropriation Bill, which seeks parliamentary approval for expenditure incurred beyond the originally sanctioned budget during the 2022–23 financial year. The bill has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha and now awaits consideration in the Upper House.

Apart from financial legislation, the government is making another attempt to build political consensus on two major constitutional reforms — the Delimitation Bill and the Women’s Reservation Bill.

The proposed Delimitation Bill seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the existing 543 elected seats to 816 seats, following the next delimitation exercise. The proposed expansion is aimed at providing representation that better reflects changes in population and demographic patterns across the country.

Alongside the delimitation proposal, the government is also pushing for the Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 2029 onwards. The proposal remains one of the most significant political reforms currently under discussion.

According to parliamentary sources, the Centre has intensified consultations with several political parties, including the Congress and key allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), in an effort to secure sufficient support for the two bills during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

A similar effort to move these proposals earlier this year could not succeed because the government lacked adequate numbers to ensure their passage. Since then, negotiations with both allies and opposition parties have continued.

On Wednesday evening, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that there is no proposal to convene a special session of Parliament between August 16 and August 18, putting an end to speculation regarding an additional sitting to discuss the pending legislation.

The previous day of the Monsoon Session witnessed repeated disruptions, with Opposition members raising slogans over several issues, leading to interruptions in parliamentary proceedings. While the Rajya Sabha managed to conduct limited business, the Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments.

With several high-profile bills listed for discussion, Thursday's proceedings are expected to be crucial for the government's legislative agenda during the remaining days of the Monsoon Session.

Parliament witnessed another day of political confrontation on Tuesday as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held discussions with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on the proposed Delimitation Bill, while Opposition parties intensified protests over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case and the July 20 action against protesters.

According to Congress sources, Rijiju met Rahul Gandhi in Parliament to understand the Congress party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill. The meeting comes amid indications that the Centre is seeking wider political consultations before moving ahead with the legislation.

The discussion took place even as both Houses of Parliament continued to face repeated disruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Opposition Continues Protest

Leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several Opposition MPs, marched from the Gandhi statue to Makar Dwar inside the Parliament complex, raising slogans against the government.

The Opposition demanded answers over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft and sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament. Opposition parties also protested over the police action against demonstrators at Jantar Mantar on July 20, alleging excessive use of force.

Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the government of avoiding a discussion on issues raised by the Opposition and reiterated the party's demand for a debate in Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also called for accountability over the action taken against protesting students, saying those responsible for ordering the use of force should be identified.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Uproar

The Lok Sabha convened at 11 am but was adjourned within minutes due to continuous protests by Opposition members. Proceedings resumed later in the afternoon before the House was eventually adjourned for the day.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha continued legislative business despite intermittent disruptions. The Upper House took up discussion on the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Rajya Sabha Debates Judicial Reforms

Members across party lines supported increasing the strength of Supreme Court judges, while also highlighting broader concerns relating to judicial reforms.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh drew attention to the large number of pending court cases and argued that increasing the number of judges alone would not solve delays unless judicial infrastructure was also strengthened.

DMK MP P. Wilson advocated the establishment of regional benches of the Supreme Court, arguing that litigants from southern states continue to face difficulties in accessing justice due to the court's location in New Delhi.

JMM MP Mahua Maji stressed the need for broader reforms in the justice delivery system, while BJP MP Kesridevsinh Jhala described the proposed legislation as a necessary step to improve judicial efficiency.

Political Exchanges Continue

Outside Parliament, BJP and Opposition leaders exchanged sharp criticism over multiple issues.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused Rahul Gandhi of pursuing "politics based on allegations" and questioned the Congress party's stand on student-related issues.

Congress leaders, on the other hand, maintained that the government was avoiding discussions on issues raised by the Opposition, including the alleged donation theft case and recent protests.

Centre Pushes Political Outreach

The meeting between Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi is being viewed as part of the government's outreach to Opposition parties ahead of the proposed Delimitation Bill.

While details of the discussion were not officially disclosed, Congress sources said the minister sought to understand the party's views on the legislation before any further parliamentary steps.

With both legislative business and political protests continuing simultaneously, Parliament's Monsoon Session remains marked by frequent disruptions alongside negotiations on key pending Bills.

New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another day of repeated disruptions on Wednesday as Opposition parties intensified their protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a statement on the alleged police action during a recent protest march. Sloganeering, placards and protests forced both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to be adjourned several times before proceedings were suspended till 2 PM.

As Parliament convened for the day, Opposition members entered both Houses carrying banners reading "Amit Shah Jawab Do", demanding accountability over the alleged police action against protesters during the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20. The protests disrupted Question Hour and legislative business almost immediately after proceedings began.

The Lok Sabha resumed briefly around 11 AM, but amid continued sloganeering from Opposition benches, the House was adjourned within a minute. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed similar scenes, with Opposition MPs raising slogans and demanding a discussion on various issues before it too was adjourned.

When the Rajya Sabha reconvened at noon, Chairman and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan appealed to members to maintain parliamentary decorum. He warned MPs against entering the Well of the House or displaying placards during proceedings, stating that failure to follow parliamentary rules could invite disciplinary action.

"My humble request is that members should cooperate with the Chair. Do not enter the Well of the House or display placards. If these rules are violated, I may be compelled to take action," the Chairman said before the House was again disrupted by protests.

The Opposition has demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament regarding the alleged use of force against demonstrators during the July 20 protest. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the Home Minister should respond to concerns raised by Opposition parties and clarify the government's position on the issue.

Khera also called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Parliament on several other matters, including the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and allegations related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation controversy.

Outside Parliament, Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several leaders from INDIA bloc parties, announced a protest march from the Gandhi Statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar. The march was organised to press for answers from the government over the alleged police action and other issues raised by Opposition parties.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders accused the Opposition of deliberately disrupting Parliament instead of allowing legislative business to proceed. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticised the Opposition for remaining silent on the alleged paper leak protests in Jharkhand while repeatedly disrupting Parliament over other issues.

According to Pal, the Centre has already addressed concerns raised by students on several occasions, and the continued protests inside Parliament are politically motivated. He questioned why Opposition leaders had not shown similar urgency regarding student demonstrations in Jharkhand.

The Monsoon Session also saw political exchanges over Article 370. On the seventh anniversary of its abrogation, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi described the removal of Article 370 as "unconstitutional" and criticised the delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. While acknowledging the Supreme Court's verdict on the matter, Owaisi maintained that he personally disagreed with the manner in which the constitutional provision was revoked.

Congress leader and Telangana minister Mohammad Azharuddin also supported the Opposition's protest, saying Parliament is the appropriate forum for discussing such issues and that all senior ministers, including the Home Minister, should participate in the debate.

Despite repeated adjournments, the government is expected to take up several important legislative items during the day. In the Rajya Sabha, the Supreme Court (Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to 38, is likely to be introduced for consideration after having already been cleared by the Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha's agenda also includes discussion on key legislative business, including the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill and the Taxation Amendment Bill, subject to normal functioning of the House.

With only a few sittings remaining in the Monsoon Session, continued disruptions have raised concerns over the limited time available for debate on pending legislation, even as both the government and Opposition remain firm on their respective positions.

The alleged Ram Mandir donation misappropriation issue triggered a storm in Parliament on Tuesday, leading to repeated disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha before proceedings were adjourned for the day. The controversy dominated the 12th day of the Monsoon Session as the Opposition demanded accountability, while the government accused its rivals of politicising the issue.

The sharpest exchange took place in the Rajya Sabha, where Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Centre over the allegations involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded by accusing the Congress and its allies of hypocrisy, resulting in heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches.

Kharge Questions Centre Over Allegations

Raising the issue during the proceedings, Kharge referred to allegations of embezzlement involving cash donations, jewellery and land linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

He argued that the trust was constituted by the Central Government and entrusted with more than 70 acres of land for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir. He also noted that the Prime Minister and the Union Government had been associated with every major milestone of the temple project.

Questioning the role of central investigative agencies, Kharge asked where the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other agencies were, and demanded that the government respond to the allegations in Parliament.

Government Launches Counterattack

Responding to the Opposition's charges, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly rejected the allegations and accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party of attempting to mislead the country.

Rijiju alleged that parties now raising questions had opposed the Ram Mandir movement for years and had criticised the temple even after its construction.

He said those who had opposed Lord Ram could not now claim to be concerned about the temple's affairs and accused the Opposition of shedding "crocodile tears" for political gain. He also demanded that they apologise to the nation before seeking answers from the government.

Repeated Disruptions in Both Houses

The issue sparked loud sloganeering and protests from members of both the ruling alliance and the Opposition.

Opposition MPs from the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other INDIA bloc parties staged protests inside and outside Parliament over the alleged donation irregularities.

The continued disruptions forced the Lok Sabha to adjourn shortly after reconvening in the afternoon, while the Rajya Sabha also witnessed repeated interruptions before being adjourned for the day.

Other Business Amid Protests

Despite the protests, the government managed to conduct limited legislative business.

The Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026 by voice vote and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanintroduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

In the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes stricter rules for delayed registration of births and deaths by requiring approval from a Judicial Magistrate First Class if registration is sought more than two years after the event.

Meanwhile, outside Parliament, DMK MPs protested over the Cauvery water dispute, while Congress MPs led by Deepender Hooda demanded that Haryana be considered to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Political Flashpoint Continues

The Ram Mandir donation controversy has emerged as one of the most contentious issues of the ongoing Monsoon Session, with both the government and the Opposition refusing to soften their positions.

While the Opposition has demanded a detailed explanation from the Centre regarding the allegations linked to the temple trust, the government maintains that the issue is being used to create political controversy around a matter of faith.

With Parliament set to reconvene on Wednesday, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of political debate.

Parliament is expected to witness another week of heated exchanges as the Monsoon Session resumes on Monday, with the Centre preparing to push several important legislations while the Opposition gears up to intensify its attack over multiple political issues inside and outside both Houses.

The government is expected to seek the passage of at least six key Bills, while Opposition parties have planned coordinated protests over issues ranging from the alleged "Chanda Chori" controversy to demands for statements from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Government to Push Key Legislation

The Centre is expected to take up several important Bills in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the week.

Among the Bills likely to be considered are:

• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Amendment) Bill

• Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill

• Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill

• Indian Statistical Institution Bill

• Bankers' Books Evidence Bill

• Appropriation Bill for Demands for Excess Grants (2022-23)

The Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, though not part of the official legislative agenda, is also expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha later this week after being deferred during the Budget Session.

However, there is no indication that the proposed Delimitation Bill will be introduced during the ongoing session.

Opposition Plans Coordinated Protest

Opposition parties have finalised a joint strategy to keep pressure on the government by raising different issues both inside Parliament and through demonstrations outside the House.

Leaders are expected to continue targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while also highlighting the alleged "Chanda Chori" issue related to donations linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

The Opposition is also expected to renew its demand for a statement from Shah over the reported police action against protesting students, including allegations regarding the use of pellet guns.

BJP Prepares Counterattack

The ruling BJP has also stepped up its political response.

Senior BJP MP Anurag Thakur has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking breach of privilege proceedings against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over remarks made in the House.

The BJP has also criticised the Opposition's demonstration near Parliament's Makar Dwar, where Independent MP Pappu Yadav staged a symbolic protest portraying a priest allegedly stealing donation money while Rahul Gandhi joined the demonstration.

Opposition leaders have defended the protest, saying they will continue using "creative" methods to raise public issues.

More Bills May Come Up

Apart from the listed Bills, the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill has reportedly been circulated among Members of Parliament, indicating it could also be taken up during the week.

Meanwhile, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill has already been passed by Parliament and has received the President's assent.

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill and the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill have already been cleared by one House and are awaiting further legislative process.

High Political Stakes

With the government pushing ahead with its legislative agenda and the Opposition determined to keep politically sensitive issues in focus, both Houses are expected to witness frequent disruptions and sharp exchanges throughout the week.

The developments are likely to shape the remainder of the Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to continue until August 21.

New Delhi: Parliament witnessed heated exchanges and Opposition protests on Thursday as key legislation, including the Vande Mataram Bill and the amended anti-paper leak law, moved ahead amid continuing political tension over the NEET controversy and alleged police action against protesting students. The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. Under the proposed provisions, intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupting a gathering where it is being sung could attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders could face a minimum jail term of one year. Soon after the Bill was passed, sloganeering broke out in the Lok Sabha and the House was adjourned for the day. The legislation became the first Bill to clear both Houses during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

The debate also saw sharp political differences over the legislation. Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai accused the Congress of failing to give Vande Mataram the respect it deserved during its years in power. Opposition members questioned the need for the law, with DMK MP Kanimozhi describing it as a political move presented in the name of nationalism. BJP MP Sambit Patra countered the criticism and accused previous governments of failing to properly honour the national song. At the same time, the political temperature remained high in the Rajya Sabha, where Congress president and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of alleged police excesses against students protesting over the NEET paper leak. Kharge demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and questioned who had authorised the alleged use of lathis, tear gas and pellet guns against protesters. He claimed that more than 100 students were injured. Leader of the House J P Nadda hit back at the Opposition, accusing it of repeatedly disrupting Parliament despite the government's willingness to discuss issues.

The Rajya Sabha also passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha. The legislation proposes tougher punishment for people involved in examination fraud and paper leaks. The minimum jail term for unfair means would rise from three years to five years, while the maximum punishment could extend to 10 years. The maximum fine would increase to Rs 50 lakh. Organised examination-related crimes could attract a minimum seven-year prison term and fines of up to Rs 10 crore. The Bill also provides for Special Fast Track Courts and a Special Task Force to investigate such offences. Union Minister Jitendra Singh defended the changes, saying they reflected the government's commitment to protecting students and ensuring zero tolerance towards paper leaks. Kharge, however, argued that harsher punishment alone would not fix problems in the examination system and called for wider reforms, including a fixed examination calendar and an independent investigation into the police action against protesters.

Outside Parliament, Congress and other INDIA bloc MPs continued their protests, demanding answers from the government over the alleged use of excessive force against students. Inside the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs sought a statement from Amit Shah, but Chairman C P Radhakrishnan rejected the demand and continued with House proceedings. Opposition members later staged a walkout. Away from the confrontation in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a nearly two-hour high-level meeting with senior ministers and officials to review India's preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The government said there was no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or fertilisers and maintained that adequate urea stocks were available for the coming crop seasons. The meeting was attended by senior ministers and officials including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, Hardeep Singh Puri, Piyush Goyal and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Parliament is set for another politically charged day on Thursday as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 moves to the Rajya Sabha, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha following a heated debate over paper leaks and recent student protests. The Upper House is expected to take up the legislation around 2 pm, with nearly seven hours reportedly set aside for discussion. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Mukul Wasnik are among those expected to participate. The proposed law seeks to strengthen action against examination malpractices through tougher penalties for paper leaks, Special Task Forces and Fast Track Courts. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation by voice vote on Wednesday after a marathon discussion that began Tuesday afternoon and continued until late in the evening before resuming the following day. The debate, however, was dominated as much by the political confrontation over the treatment of protesting students as by the provisions of the bill itself.

The political fight continued outside the House after BJP leaders rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations concerning the July 20 student protest. BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra said no shots were fired at students and rejected Gandhi's allegation that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered firing. Patra argued that Gandhi had produced no evidence to support the charge and said decisions involving firing are taken by a magistrate rather than a Union minister. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also targeted the Leader of Opposition during his reply to the debate, accusing him of using unparliamentary language and failing to follow basic parliamentary norms. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Gandhi had earlier exchanged sharp words in the Lok Sabha after a remark made by the Congress leader while recounting a conversation with a student drew objections from the treasury benches. Speaker Om Birla subsequently expunged the expression. BJP MP Rahul Sinha, meanwhile, defended the government's handling of the student agitation, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had understood the concerns of students and arguing that Congress had no right to lecture the government on paper leaks given similar incidents in Congress-ruled states.
Thursday's parliamentary agenda extends beyond the exam reforms bill. The Lok Sabha is scheduled to consider the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Before taking up the legislation, the House is expected to discuss a statutory resolution moved by Opposition MPs seeking disapproval of the related ordinance promulgated earlier this year. Congress MP Manish Tewari has separately submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice seeking a discussion on a new anti-defection framework aimed at curbing mass political defections while preserving space for legitimate dissent. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has sought suspension of business to discuss alleged misuse of donations connected with the Ram Mandir. The Upper House is also scheduled to consider the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. With the Opposition continuing to raise questions over student protests and examination irregularities while the government pushes ahead with its legislative agenda, another stormy day is expected in both Houses of Parliament.

New Delhi witnessed another heated day in Parliament on Wednesday as the debate over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 brought the government and Opposition face-to-face over paper leaks, NEET-UG and the recent student protests. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said political parties must respect students’ right to expression and referred to the young protesters who had taken to the streets in recent weeks. He said he felt reassured by what the future of the country had demonstrated on the streets. The debate came after nearly a week of disruptions in the Lok Sabha and focused on proposed tougher punishment and faster trials in paper leak cases. Opposition MPs backed the concerns raised by protesting students and criticised the alleged use of excessive police force, while BJP-led NDA members argued that examination paper leaks were not limited to any single government or political party. They cited cases from the UPA years as well as Opposition-ruled states and maintained that the government was now working on broader examination reforms.

The debate soon moved beyond the provisions of the bill. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over police action during the student agitation. She asked who had authorised the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters in Delhi and referred to an incident involving an AK-47 in Bihar. Bihar Police had said that a constable fired in the air in self-defence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also attacked the government, saying he had not witnessed the Emergency of the 1970s but had seen a glimpse of it in Delhi the previous week. The issue created uproar in the Rajya Sabha as well, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP president JP Nadda clashed over police action during the July 20 protest. Nadda maintained that action against those taking law and order into their own hands was part of normal policing, while the Opposition continued demanding a response from the home minister. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, meanwhile, pushed the debate in another direction by demanding that NEET itself be scrapped. He argued that increasing punishment for people involved in paper leaks did not address what his party considered the fundamental problems with the national medical entrance examination.

The government accused Opposition parties of turning a discussion on examination reform into a wider political confrontation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s speech, said he hoped the Congress leader would address the actual provisions of the bill instead of focusing mainly on unrelated political issues. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accused the Opposition of wrongly assuming that young protesters were politically aligned with it, while Anurag Thakur described paper leaks as a serious threat to the future of the country’s youth. Defending the proposed amendment, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said paper leaks had occurred in national and state-level examinations under governments belonging to different parties and should therefore not be viewed only through a political lens. The proposed legislation seeks more stringent punishment for individuals, organised gangs and entities involved in examination leaks, along with provisions aimed at delivering speedier justice. The debate also spilled into controversy over Pralhad Joshi, who was given additional charge of the Education Ministry following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 amid the student protests. By Wednesday afternoon, what began as a debate on an anti-paper leak law had expanded into a larger political battle over NEET, student protests, police action and government accountability, keeping examination reforms at the centre of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.