Parliament Monsoon Session 2025 Live Updates: Opposition Uproar Halts Business
The Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025 once again witnessed noisy scenes on Friday, August 8, as opposition parties intensified their protests over the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Bengali language row. Both Houses faced repeated disruptions, forcing multiple adjournments. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day, while the Lok Sabha is set to reconvene at 3 pm.
Opposition Protests Before and During Proceedings
The day began with high political drama as members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc staged demonstrations outside the Parliament building. Their demands included an immediate discussion on the Bihar SIR issue, concerns over the alleged sidelining of the Bengali language, and the imposition of US tariffs on Indian goods.
When proceedings commenced, Opposition MPs carried their protest into the chambers, raising slogans and holding placards. The uproar led to both Houses being initially adjourned till 12 noon. However, disruptions continued after the resumption, forcing the Rajya Sabha to wrap up business for the day and the Lok Sabha to suspend proceedings until later in the afternoon.
Government’s Stand on Bihar SIR
The Bihar SIR controversy has been a major flashpoint since the start of the session. The Opposition alleges irregularities and political motives behind the exercise. However, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking earlier on August 1, defended the process, stating that it is conducted by the Election Commission of India, a constitutional body, and is not unprecedented.
Rijiju also expressed concern over the continuous disruptions in the Rajya Sabha. Referring to a 1997 resolution, he urged MPs to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings, emphasizing that parliamentary debates should not be derailed by repetitive protests.
Key Bills on the Agenda Despite Disruptions
Despite the uproar, the government has lined up several important bills for consideration in the Lok Sabha today.
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National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to move this bill, which aims to establish a transparent and accountable governance framework for sports bodies in India. The legislation seeks to promote ethical management, athlete welfare, and compliance with international standards. -
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Mandaviya will also present amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022. The proposed changes are expected to strengthen anti-doping regulations, streamline enforcement mechanisms, and align India’s framework with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s updated code. -
Indian Ports Bill, 2025
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will introduce this bill to consolidate existing port laws. The legislation is designed to promote integrated port development, boost ease of doing business, and maximize the economic potential of India’s coastline. -
Mental Healthcare (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship is scheduled to introduce amendments to the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The changes are aimed at refining definitions, improving patient rights, and enhancing mental health service delivery across the country.
Political Tensions Continue to Rise
The ongoing stalemate between the government and the Opposition shows no signs of easing. INDIA bloc leaders have warned that protests will continue unless the government agrees to hold a full debate on the Bihar SIR issue. Government ministers, however, maintain that the matter falls outside the purview of parliamentary debate, as it involves an independent constitutional body.
With several high-profile bills on the agenda, Friday’s disruptions highlight the challenges of pushing through legislative business amid deepening political rifts. Observers note that the Monsoon Session has already seen more adjournments than debates, raising concerns about the productivity of Parliament in 2025.
What Lies Ahead
As the Lok Sabha prepares to resume at 3 pm, attention will be on whether the Opposition allows the legislative agenda to proceed or continues its protest strategy. The fate of the key bills — particularly the National Sports Governance Bill and the Indian Ports Bill — will depend on whether floor coordination can be restored.
Political analysts predict that the Bihar SIR and Bengali language issues may dominate headlines throughout the remaining days of the Monsoon Session, making consensus-building an uphill battle for the ruling coalition.