New Delhi, July 19, 2025 – As the Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament approaches, set to commence on July 21 and conclude on August 21, 2025, the opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to confront the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government on a series of pressing national and international issues. The bloc, comprising 24 opposition parties, held a virtual strategy meeting on Saturday to finalize its agenda, aiming to project unity and hold the government accountable on matters of national security, governance, and electoral integrity. The session, expected to span 21 sittings with a break from August 12 to 18 for Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, is poised to witness intense debates.
Key Issues on the INDIA Bloc’s Agenda
1. Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor
The INDIA bloc plans to demand answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The opposition has criticized the government for its alleged failure to bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, the bloc intends to scrutinize Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the attack. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari emphasized that the opposition will press the government on the effectiveness and transparency of these operations, accusing it of politicizing national security issues.
2. Bihar Electoral Roll Revision Controversy
The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the state’s upcoming Assembly elections, has sparked allegations of voter suppression. The INDIA bloc, particularly the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has accused the government of manipulating the electoral process. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has called the SIR a “votebandi” (voter suppression) tactic, and the opposition plans to raise this issue prominently to demand transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
3. Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Demand
The restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir remains a priority for the INDIA bloc, particularly for the Congress, which has mobilized protests to press this demand. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi have written to Prime Minister Modi, urging legislation to restore statehood and include the Union Territory of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has endorsed this call, noting that statehood was promised to the region. The bloc plans to stage symbolic protests outside Parliament to amplify this issue.
4. Foreign Policy and US President’s Remarks
The opposition will question India’s foreign policy, particularly in light of US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan to avert a nuclear conflict. The INDIA bloc has expressed concern over the “hyphenation” of India with Pakistan and the perceived influence of China in the Pakistan Air Force, as highlighted by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. The opposition seeks a detailed response from the government on these international developments and their implications for India’s diplomatic engagements.
5. Farmers’ Grievances and Unemployment
The INDIA bloc is expected to highlight the plight of farmers, focusing on issues such as inadequate support and rising input costs. Unemployment, a persistent concern, will also be a key talking point, with the opposition accusing the government of failing to create sufficient job opportunities. These issues are likely to resonate with the bloc’s rural voter base, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
6. Rising Atrocities Against Women and SC/ST Communities
The opposition plans to address the increasing incidents of violence against women and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities. The INDIA bloc aims to hold the government accountable for its handling of these issues, demanding stronger measures to ensure safety and justice.
7. Ahmedabad Air Crash and National Security
The recent Ahmedabad air crash has raised questions about aviation safety and national security, which the INDIA bloc intends to bring to the parliamentary floor. The opposition will likely press for a thorough investigation and accountability for any lapses.
Strategic Unity Amid Challenges
The INDIA bloc’s virtual meeting, attended by senior leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, aimed to forge a united front. However, the absence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which announced its exit from the bloc citing a lack of unity, and the last-minute confirmation of participation by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), highlight internal challenges. Despite these hurdles, the bloc is determined to present a cohesive opposition to counter the government’s agenda.
Government’s Response and Session Outlook
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has emphasized that the Monsoon Session will address all significant issues, including Operation Sindoor, under existing parliamentary rules. The government plans to introduce several bills, such as the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025, indicating a busy legislative agenda. However, the opposition’s aggressive stance suggests that the session will be marked by heated debates and potential confrontations.
Conclusion
The Monsoon Session of Parliament promises to be a critical battleground for the INDIA bloc to challenge the NDA government on issues ranging from national security to electoral integrity and socio-economic concerns. With a strategic meeting setting the tone, the opposition is poised to leverage its collective strength to demand accountability and push for legislative action, even as it navigates internal dynamics. As the session unfolds, all eyes will be on how these debates shape India’s political landscape ahead of key state elections.
