The Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2025 was unlike any other. Held from July 21 to August 12, it was the first full sitting after India’s high-intensity military response to terrorism, famously named “Operation Sindoor.” As the rain poured outside, stormy debates, powerful speeches, walkouts, and protests filled the chambers inside. What started with national unity quickly unraveled into a deadlock over electoral integrity and controversial bills.
Here’s a look at what truly went down behind the scenes.
Setting the Stage: Parliament Meets After Operation Sindoor
The Monsoon Session opened on a serious note. Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, was fresh in the nation’s mind. It set the tone for intense nationalistic sentiment and calls for political unity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament with a fiery speech: “Operation Sindoor will continue. This is our notice to Pakistan. India will always act till Pakistan stops attacks.”
Leaders from almost all major political parties initially stood together in support. There were all-party meetings. Even traditional critics of the government agreed that national security must come before politics. But this unity was short-lived.
Operation Sindoor Debate: Echoes of Nationalism and Political Fireworks
While many lauded the government’s response, others raised sharp concerns. TMC’s Saayoni Ghosh, speaking in Parliament, said, “Trump has claimed credit 28 times for this operation. While our Air Force was risking lives, the Prime Minister lost the battle of narratives internationally.”
The statement sparked anger on the ruling side. The debate grew intense. Home Minister Amit Shah stood up in Rajya Sabha to defend the government’s actions. However, opposition MPs walked out, claiming their voices were being silenced. BJP President J.P. Nadda responded sharply, calling the walkout a sign of “double standards.”
What began as a discussion on national defense quickly turned into a power struggle between the ruling coalition and opposition.
The SIR Controversy: “Silent Invisible Rigging” and Protest Politics
The biggest flashpoint came from Bihar.
The Election Commission had launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. Opposition parties called this a cover for voter manipulation, branding it “Silent Invisible Rigging” or “SIR.” They alleged that thousands of names from marginalized communities had been dropped quietly.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and other INDIA bloc leaders staged protests right outside Parliament. They chanted, *”Our Vote. Our Right. Our Fight.”
Inside Parliament, chaos followed. Multiple MPs demanded an urgent debate. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were both adjourned several times. On some days, no business happened at all.
The government refused to allow a full debate on SIR, citing that the matter was under Supreme Court consideration. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “This House cannot be a platform for matters under judicial review. The Chair must decide, not the government.”
The opposition was furious. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh told reporters, “If they have nothing to hide, why not allow a discussion? The voter list is the foundation of democracy.”
Lawmaking in the Midst of Mayhem
Despite the noise, some legislative work did happen.
The Merchant Shipping Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha. This bill replaces colonial-era laws with modern regulations for India’s maritime sector. It received applause from the shipping industry.
But most other bills, like the National Sports Governance Bill and the Manipur President’s Rule extension, remained stuck due to repeated disruptions.
The government accused the opposition of stalling national development. Opposition leaders, on the other hand, said they were only demanding accountability.
Strategic Diplomacy: Warnings from the Foreign Desk
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong message in Lok Sabha. He warned of rising military cooperation between Pakistan and China. He also emphasized India’s growing role at the United Nations.
“India no longer speaks from the margins. Our voice matters. Our decisions influence global outcomes,” he said. He also clarified India’s stand on ceasefire violations and UN proceedings after Operation Sindoor.
A Surprise Resignation: Jagdeep Dhankhar Steps Down
In a dramatic moment, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned midway through the session. This shocked both government and opposition MPs. The official reason was not disclosed, leading to wide speculation.
Opposition parties submitted over 30 notices seeking a discussion on the resignation. All were rejected. Leaders from Jharkhand’s alliance accused the government of pressuring Dhankhar due to his independent stance on Operation Sindoor. “This undermines democratic institutions,” said JMM leader Hemant Soren.
Behind the Scenes: Dinners, Marches, and INDIA Bloc Unity
While Parliament remained divided, the INDIA alliance was busy planning strategies behind closed doors. For the first time in 14 months, the bloc met in person at Rahul Gandhi’s residence.
Soon after, they held a protest march to the Election Commission’s office, demanding a halt to SIR and a transparent voter verification process.
Opposition unity appeared stronger than in previous sessions, with even regional parties like DMK, AAP, and RJD marching together.
Conclusion: A Session of Contrasts
The 2025 Monsoon Session was not just about bills and speeches. It was a mirror of India’s political climate: a mix of military pride, democratic protest, institutional tension, and regional assertion.
From Operation Sindoor to the SIR controversy, Parliament was the stage for power, protest, and principle.
As the session ends, many questions remain unanswered. Will the government allow debate on voter transparency? Will regional voices be heard on national platforms? Will the Winter Session offer more solutions than shouting matches?
One thing is clear—the rain may stop, but the political storm continues.