Persistent Deadlock Grips Parliament
The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another tumultuous day on August 7, 2025, as the opposition ramped up its protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Day 13 of the session was characterized by repeated adjournments, uproarious scenes, and a rising sense of impasse between the treasury and opposition benches.
INDIA bloc MPs launched a coordinated protest, accusing the ruling government of manipulating the revision process to disenfranchise large sections of marginalized voters in Bihar. Their demand for an immediate, detailed debate went unmet—triggering an unrelenting standoff inside both Houses.
Lok Sabha in Gridlock
The Lok Sabha was adjourned almost immediately after it convened at 11 AM. Sloganeering and vocal demands for a discussion on the SIR exercise drowned out all attempts to proceed with business. Although the House reconvened at noon, disorder persisted, leading to another abrupt adjournment.
When proceedings resumed briefly later in the day, the government attempted to push through the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, which was passed by voice vote. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the opposition’s obstruction, pointing out that the funds were crucial for a state currently under President’s Rule.
Rajya Sabha Proceeds Amid Protests
The Rajya Sabha mirrored the turbulence of the lower house. Deputy Chairman Harivansh struggled to maintain order as opposition MPs raised slogans and disrupted scheduled debates. Despite the din, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 was passed, a rare legislative moment in an otherwise paralyzed session.
Opposition Stages Symbolic Protest
Beyond the chaos within the chambers, the opposition staged a visible and pointed protest on Parliament premises. Standing at the iconic Makar Dwar, leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Dharmendra Yadav, and newcomer MP Sagarika Ghose joined hands in denouncing what they termed “systematic voter suppression.”
Placards, silence, and unified presence sent a clear message to the government — that the opposition would not relent unless the SIR issue was addressed in Parliament.
A Session at Crossroads
The continued friction has turned this Monsoon Session into a political standoff. While the government pushes ahead with legislative priorities, the opposition remains locked in on accountability around the SIR process — a confrontation rooted in fundamental concerns about electoral fairness and democratic inclusion.
Unless dialogue replaces deadlock, both legislative productivity and public trust in Parliament could erode further in the remaining days of the session.