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Parliament’s Monsoon Session 2026, that is set to commence today - Monday, July 20 - is likely to witness a stormy start. The 24-day-long sittings are
coming up amid a highly intense political atmosphere in the country that is charged by the Ram Temple donation fund theft row, activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which is also a part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak and overall alleged discrepancies in the education system. The session is also expected to witness high-drama over the recent turmoil in opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC), further split of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, rise in oil and gas prices in view of the Iran war, recent trade deal announcements, including that with the United States. Apart from these, the Parliament is set to see an intense face-off between the government and opposition over some key bills that have been confirmed to be presented in the upcoming session, including: a bill to amend the Prevention of National Honour Action, 1971 (The legislation seeks to give the same status to the National Song - Vande Mataram - as that of the National Anthem - Jana Gana Mana). Besides this, the government is also set to table:
- The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill: Proposes stricter provisions and penalties for delayed registration.
- The Income-tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Brings key taxation reforms.
- The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026: Addresses the composition and strength of the apex court.
- MSME Reforms Bill: Tailored to provide regulatory and financial relief to the micro, small, and medium enterprise sector.
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Not just these, the Centre may also table Delimitation and Women Reservation Bill, Bill on UCC, and One Nation One Election.
Full Proof Security Ahead of Monsoon Session
On Monsoon Session’s eve (Sunday), a multi-agency mock drill was conducted by a joint team of security forces deployed at the Parliament House complex. The overall security of the complex, located in central Delhi, is rendered by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) along with units of the Delhi Police, CRPF, NSG, NDRF and the security staff of the Parliament.
Section 163 Imposed In View of Cockroach Party’s 'Chalo Sansad' Call
Security has been stepped up across the New Delhi district ahead of the Monsoon session and the CJP proposed "Chalo Sansad" march today, with the Delhi Police imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS.
The heightened vigil comes as the CJP announced the march in protest against alleged NEET irregularities and to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
The prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS (formerly Section 144 CrPC) is currently in effect in the New Delhi district, according to the DCP's post.
Ahead of "Chalo Sansad" march, banners, slogans and swelling crowds transformed the place into a packed protest camp, as Cockroach Party's Dipke call for a night vigil drew massive response.
Wangchuk's Wife on His Hunger Strike
Amid the swelling crowds, Sonam Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali J Angmo announced that the activist would end his hunger strike on Monday (today) if political leaders meet him at Safdarjung Hospital and assure him that the issue of education accountability will be the focus of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Appeals To All Parties For Smooth Conduct
On session’s eve, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Sunday appealed to all parties to extend their full cooperation to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the proceedings so that issues concerning people can be discussed comprehensively and productively.
Chairing a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), Birla also emphasised the importance of constructive deliberations, meaningful participation and adherence to the highest parliamentary traditions.
The Speaker appealed to all parties to cooperate for a smooth and orderly session so that issues concerning people can be discussed in a comprehensive and productive manner, an official aware of the deliberations of the meeting said.
Birla Asks All parties To Come forth and Present Their Views
Birla invited representatives from all political parties to the Lok Sabha to put forward their views on issues of public interest. At the meeting, members representing the government and the opposition parties exchanged their views on the legislative and other businesses proposed to be taken up during the session.
The members also suggested several matters of public importance and national concern for discussion during the course of the session. The BAC took note of the suggestions.
The scheduling of discussions and allocation of time for various items of business will be finalised in accordance with the established parliamentary procedures and in consultation with the government and leaders of the opposition parties, another official said.
The Speaker expressed confidence that all members would work collectively to ensure a productive and dignified Monsoon Session in the larger public interest.
Rijiju Says Important Bills Submitted By Govt
After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said important bills that have been submitted by the government have been allocated time.
“The opposition has also made some suggestions, which we have noted. We have appealed to the opposition that when Parliament meets tomorrow morning, there should be no turmoil. If the opposition does not create turmoil, some bills will be taken up for discussion tomorrow,” Rijiju said.
Some bills are ready to be introduced, for which time has been allocated, the minister said.
“But if the opposition creates turmoil, there will be little business,” Rijiju said, but refused to disclose which bills will be taken up on the first day.
No Clarity If Govt Will Discuss Ram Mandir, NEET: Congress
Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the opposition has clearly conveyed that it will offer constructive participation and support for the government's bills, but in return, it expects the government to demonstrate its moral responsibility and provide answers on critical public issues.
Unfortunately, Gogoi said, he has not seen any indication of preparation or a clear stance from the government on matters of public interest; “instead, the government is merely buying time”.
“Even today, people of the country do not know if the government is prepared to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, or NEET or the ethanol policy,” Gogoi said.
The Congress leader also claimed that the government has not offered any clarity on these specific issues so far.
“It seems the government is strategising to evade these topics entirely and trying to create an atmosphere in the House that stifles discussion and suppresses these issues,” he said.
Oppn Walkout Over TMC Rebels Attending All Party Meeting
On Sunday morning, the entire opposition staged a symbolic walkout from an all-party meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon Session to protest against the invitation extended to rebel TMC MPs.
The opposition also protested against Birla's decision to allow the rebel TMC lawmakers separate seats in the House.
On Saturday, Rijiju invited the leader of the breakaway TMC faction, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, to the customary all-party meeting, noting that he and 19 other MPs “have joined the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI)”.
On the same day, Birla approved separate seating for the 20 rebel TMC MPs, who have claimed to have joined the little-known NCPI. which has zero representation in Parliament.
Beginning Monday, the Monsoon Session of Parliament will continue to till August 13.
With inputs from PTI
