Lok Sabha clears NCDC Bill and Kerala name alteration Bill by voice vote

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills on Tuesday amidst Opposition protests. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026 were approved by a voice vote. Following the passage of these Bills, the House was adjourned for the day. With only one day remaining in the Monsoon Session, which ends on Thursday, there is no clarity as to whether Union Home Minister Amit Shah will speak in the House, although BJP sources claim he is prepared with his statement if required.

Opposition members continued to protest, demanding the appearance of Shah in the House. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju made a remark about Congress leader K C Venugopal, who hails from Kerala, after the Kerala Bill was passed, stating, "The Kerala Bill was passed, but KC Venugopal could not speak on it. I am sad to say this."

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol also spoke briefly amid slogans before the Amendment Bill was approved. Mohol explained that under the original Act of 1962, certain organizations are not yet registered, and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) cannot fund them. He added that the NCDC can now provide direct loans and grants against security to any organization operating within the cooperative sector, making the corporation more effective in fulfilling current societal needs. No additional budget is needed for this Bill, as it merely expands the NCDC's activities.