Opposition toughens stand, washout of session likely

Opposition forces in India have intensified their stance, casting doubt on the potential cancellation of Parliament's monsoon session. The Congress party, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge, contends that crucial discussions surrounding the Ram temple donation matter and allegations of police misconduct against students must take place for the legislative body to operate effectively. Kharge denounced the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah from both chambers as "an insult to democracy".

During a protest in the Parliament complex, opposition members demanded a meeting to address their grievances. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a bill to the Lok Sabha, aiming to replace an outdated ordinance that expanded the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. However, the bill was passed without debate, prompting criticism from the opposition who claimed they were barred from participating in the discussion.

The opposition's persistent demands and disruptive behavior have put the monsoon session at risk of being a washout. Both Houses have seen heated exchanges between the government and the opposition, with opposition MPs demanding a statement from Amit Shah on the alleged crackdown on students and the theft of funds at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, government officials, including parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, accused the opposition of not exercising their right to speak in the legislature.