New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament in 2025 began with significant disruptions, resulting in a near-total washout of its first week. According to data, the 17th Lok Sabha functioned for 88% of its scheduled time, while the Rajya Sabha managed only 73%. This is a stark contrast to the 1950s, when Parliament convened for 120-140 days annually, compared to the current range of 60-70 days. The frequent disruptions have raised concerns about weakening democratic accountability, escalating monetary costs, and eroding public trust in the institution.

The Cost of Parliamentary Disruptions

Parliamentary disruptions have far-reaching consequences beyond mere delays. The financial cost is staggering, with running Parliament costing approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per minute. When sessions are stalled, this translates into significant wastage of public funds. More critically, disruptions hinder the core function of parliamentary debates, which allow elected representatives to hold the government accountable. This erosion of democratic accountability shifts Members of Parliament (MPs) focus from addressing critical national issues to stalling proceedings, further diminishing public trust in the institution.

Weakening Democratic Accountability

Parliamentary debates are a cornerstone of democracy, enabling elected leaders to question government policies and actions. However, frequent adjournments prevent these discussions, leaving ministers unaccountable for their decisions. As Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted at the Sansad Ratna Awards on July 26, 2025, organized by the Prime Point Foundation, bureaucrats often feel relieved when Parliament is adjourned, as they escape rigorous questioning. Rijiju emphasized, “When the House runs, ministers face tough questions. When it adjourns within minutes, those questions don’t even get raised.” This dynamic ultimately harms the Opposition more than the government, as they lose the opportunity to challenge policies effectively.

Eroding Public Trust

The constant stalling of Parliament shifts MPs’ focus from constructive problem-solving to political posturing, further eroding public trust. Rijiju highlighted this issue, stating, “Those who stall the House think they are damaging the government, but in truth, they are weakening their own role in a democracy.” The public perceives these disruptions as a failure of elected representatives to prioritize national interests, fostering disillusionment with the parliamentary process.

Measures to Address Parliamentary Disruptions

To mitigate disruptions and strengthen parliamentary functioning, several measures have been proposed:

1. Dedicated Time for Opposition: Drawing inspiration from the British Parliament, which allocates 20 days annually for the Opposition to set the agenda, India could adopt a similar model to ensure balanced representation of issues.
2. Strengthening Ethics Committees: Establishing or empowering ethics committees to monitor and report disruptions can enhance accountability among MPs, discouraging unnecessary adjournments.
3. Annual Parliamentary Calendar: Announcing a fixed calendar of sittings at the beginning of each year would limit flexibility for disruptions and ensure consistent parliamentary functioning.

These measures aim to restore the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and ensure that critical issues are debated constructively.

Monsoon Session 2025: A Shift to Fiery Debates

After a week of disruptions, the Monsoon Session is poised for intense debates on two critical issues: the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Both the government and the Opposition have agreed to a marathon 16-hour debate in each House, starting in the Lok Sabha on July 28, 2025, and continuing in the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2025. These discussions, expected to extend beyond the allocated time, will focus on national security and foreign policy, with top leaders from both sides set to participate.

Key Issues: Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, and Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, have dominated national discourse. The government, led by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has framed Operation Sindoor as a decisive response to Pakistan-linked terrorism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that it met 100% of its objectives. Modi emphasized that the operation established a “new normal” in India’s approach to terrorism, refusing to differentiate between terrorists and their sponsors.

The Opposition, however, has criticized alleged intelligence lapses behind the Pahalgam attack and questioned the government’s foreign policy. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the government of failing to secure international support for Operation Sindoor, citing US President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Gandhi has repeatedly targeted the government’s foreign policy, arguing that India’s actions have isolated it diplomatically.

Key Participants in the Debate

The debates will feature prominent figures from both sides. The NDA will field Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, with indications that Prime Minister Modi may intervene to highlight the government’s “robust” stance on national security. The Opposition will be led by Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha and Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, supported by leaders like Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party.

Additionally, MPs from multi-party delegations that visited over 30 world capitals to present India’s case after Operation Sindoor will participate. These include Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Sanjay Jha (JD(U)), and Harish Balayogi (TDP). A notable point of contention is whether Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who led a delegation to the US and endorsed the government’s actions, will speak, given his strained ties with his party over this issue.

Operation Sindoor: Context and Impact

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, targeting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan. The operation resulted in a four-day conflict, with India claiming significant damage to Pakistani air bases. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Minister Amit Shah have lauded the operation’s success, emphasizing the effectiveness of India’s indigenous defense platforms. The government has also banned Chinese-made surveillance equipment and enhanced aerial monitoring for Independence Day as part of the operation’s fallout.

However, the Opposition has raised concerns about the lack of international backing and alleged intelligence failures. Congress has demanded accountability for the Pahalgam attack, noting that the responsible terrorists remain at large. The party has also criticized Trump’s mediation claims, with Gandhi calling for a “clear” statement from Modi on the issue.

Other Issues: Bihar Electoral Roll Revision and Manipur

Beyond national security, the Opposition has pushed for discussions on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, claiming it favors the BJP-led alliance in the poll-bound state. The Election Commission has defended the exercise, asserting it aims to ensure only eligible voters participate. However, this issue led to significant disruptions in the first week, with Rijiju stating that not all issues can be debated simultaneously, and a decision on discussing the SIR will be made later.

The Opposition has also raised concerns about the situation in Manipur, though this has not yet been scheduled for discussion. These issues highlight the broader challenges of prioritizing parliamentary agendas amidst competing demands.

Rijiju’s Call for Constructive Engagement

At the Sansad Ratna Awards, Rijiju underscored the importance of constructive parliamentary engagement. He noted the undue burden on Indian MPs, who represent over 20 lakh people compared to 66,000 for MPs in developed countries. Indian MPs handle diverse responsibilities, from infrastructure to personal grievances, yet face criticism for disruptions. Rijiju shared an anecdote about his early days as an MP, when he was scolded by Speaker Somnath Chatterjee for requesting a smoking room, highlighting the need for MPs to approach their roles with purpose.

Rijiju also criticized the media’s focus on disruptions over substantive debates, recalling how Sharad Pawar’s agriculture policy speech received no coverage. He argued that this “vicious cycle” of negative reporting incentivizes MPs to prioritize headlines over constructive work. Congratulating Sansad Ratna awardees like Supriya Sule, Bhartruhari Mahtab, N K Premachandran, and Shrirang Appa Barne, Rijiju called for cross-party recognition of parliamentary excellence.

Opposition and National Discourse

National Commission for Backward Classes Chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir took a swipe at the Opposition, accusing those claiming to follow Babasaheb Ambedkar of bringing disrepute to India by criticizing it abroad. This reflects the broader tension between the government and Opposition, with both sides leveraging national security and foreign policy to shape public discourse.

Conclusion

The Monsoon Session of 2025 encapsulates the challenges facing India’s parliamentary democracy. While disruptions have marred its start, the upcoming debates on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor offer an opportunity for constructive dialogue. By adopting measures like dedicated Opposition time, stronger ethics committees, and an annual parliamentary calendar, India can strengthen its democratic institutions. As the nation watches, the ability of Parliament to balance accountability, national security, and public trust will shape its legacy in 2025.

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