Saralnama
The Monsoon Session of Parliament saw Lok Sabha functioning for 30% and Rajya Sabha for 39% of their allotted time, with disruptions dominating proceedings. Except for the delayed discussion on Operation Sindoor, legislative business was largely stalled, continuing a 16-year pattern of opposition-led disruptions and government indifference to detailed debate. Bills, including the Indian Ports Bill and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, were passed without thorough discussion. Opposition to three amendment bills was strong due to concerns about threats to democratic foundations reminiscent of the Emergency era. The Election Commission’s SIR exercise raised issues but was not debated in Parliament, as the government cited the EC’s autonomy. The session highlighted deep political polarization, with traditional courtesies like sharing tea between the Opposition, Speaker, and Prime Minister being abandoned. The quality of debates declined into personal attacks, and parliamentary sessions increasingly resemble extended breaks for MPs, despite routine promises to improve decorum. Both ruling and opposition parties share responsibility for the erosion of parliamentary democracy, with the legislature functioning more as a venue for electoral theatrics than substantive lawmaking. (Updated 22 Aug 2025, 21:43 IST; source: link)