The Monsoon Session of Parliament remained deadlocked on Monday, with both Houses adjourned following fresh protests by the Opposition over their demand for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Despite the ongoing impasse, the government is expected to push for the passage of key legislation in the Lok Sabha, including the National Sports Governance Bill, which aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the functioning of sports federations.
The Rajya Sabha is also due to take up a resolution moved by Home Minister Amit Shah to extend President’s Rule in Manipur by six months from August 13.
Since the Monsoon Session began on July 21, Parliament has witnessed repeated disruptions, barring a two-day debate in both Houses on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
The deadlock has largely stemmed from the Opposition’s persistent demand to debate the SIR exercise, which they claim threatens to disenfranchise millions of voters in Bihar.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien strongly criticised the BJP’s reluctance to allow a debate on the issue. He accused the ruling party of fearing open discussion on what he described as “silent invisible rigging”.
Writing on X, O’Brien said, “The SIR (Silent Invisible Rigging) vote chori is a subject that can easily be discussed in both Houses. BJP scared & are disrupting.” He added that the Opposition would start giving the Modi government “free tutorials” on parliamentary procedure from Monday, August 4.
Meanwhile, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju cited parliamentary precedent to counter the Opposition’s demands. Referring to a precedent set by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, Rijiju argued that Parliament is not permitted to debate the functioning of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission.
He also noted that the final decision on whether such a discussion can take place rests with the presiding officers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. “Whether Parliament can discuss the EC's administrative work or not is for the Chair to decide in accordance with rules,” Rijiju said.
Undeterred by the government’s stance, the Opposition parties have vowed to continue their protests inside Parliament until their demand for a discussion on the SIR is accepted. They warned that without addressing the issue, the entire Monsoon Session could be rendered futile.
Despite the continuing uproar, a senior government functionary hinted that the government may go ahead with passing crucial bills if the logjam continues.
Besides the National Sports Governance Bill, the Lok Sabha is expected to take up the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to strengthen anti-doping measures in Indian sport.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 p.m. after Opposition MPs entered the well of the House with placards during question hour.
In the Rajya Sabha, the atmosphere remained tense as Opposition MPs prepared for further coordinated action to press their demand for a debate on the controversial voter list exercise.
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