Rijiju Blames Congress for Parliament Disruptions as Monsoon Session Ends

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday blamed the Congress for repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which ended with both Houses being adjourned sine die.

Speaking at a press conference after the session concluded, Rijiju said the government was dissatisfied with the quality and extent of debate. He said the Lok Sabha recorded only 19 per cent productivity, while the Rajya Sabha recorded 39 per cent.

Rijiju accused the Opposition of avoiding discussions even when the government was willing to take up issues raised by its members.

“For the first time, we have seen the Opposition running away from debate in Parliament,” he said, adding that he held the Congress responsible for disrupting proceedings.

According to Rijiju, 12 bills were passed during the Monsoon Session, but only one was discussed in both Houses.

The session, which began on July 20, was repeatedly disrupted over issues including the NEET paper leak, alleged irregularities involving donations to the Ram temple and police action against protesting students.

The Opposition also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah address Parliament on several of these issues.

The government offered to hold a discussion on the NEET paper leak and related matters on Monday, with Shah expected to respond. The Congress did not accept the proposal. Another attempt to reach an agreement on Wednesday also failed.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government, questioning the absence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister from debates on the issues raised by the Opposition.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said young people wanted answers about allegations that protesting students were targeted with pellet guns.

Gandhi also criticised the prospect of a speech by Shah, saying the Opposition wanted accountability rather than what he described as an extended lecture. He argued that if Shah had ordered the alleged action against students, he would be responsible, while if he had not, he would have failed in his duties.

Gandhi said that in either situation, Shah should resign.

Congress MP KC Venugopal also blamed the government for the deadlock. He said the Home Minister should have appeared in Parliament and responded to the Opposition’s concerns instead of avoiding the discussion.

Venugopal later wrote on X that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had not addressed the issues raised by MPs during the session. He accused the government of avoiding questions concerning the student protests, the alleged irregularities involving Ram temple donations and other matters.

CPI(M) MP John Brittas described the end of the session as unfortunate and blamed what he called the government’s stubborn approach for the disruptions.

He said the Opposition had repeatedly asked Shah to make a statement on the incidents linked to the student protests. Brittas added that the Opposition was not willing to accept a lengthy speech in place of direct answers to its questions.

INDIA bloc parties skip Speaker’s tea party

After the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders reportedly stayed away from the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Sources said DMK leader Kanimozhi attended the gathering, while senior leaders from several other INDIA bloc parties did not.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior ministers were present at the event held in the Speaker’s chamber, according to sources.

Kharge and Sonia attend Rajya Sabha event

In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi attended the tea party hosted by Chairman C P Radhakrishnan.

The customary gatherings are held by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman after the respective Houses are adjourned sine die, marking the formal conclusion of a parliamentary session.