The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday, with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being adjourned sine die after weeks of protests, disruptions and sharp exchanges between the government and Opposition.
The session, which began on July 20, saw repeated interruptions over several political and public issues. Despite the disruptions, Parliament passed 12 Bills during the session, according to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Rijiju highlights legislative work, flags low productivity
Rijiju said the session delivered on legislative business but fell short when it came to debate and discussion.
"In terms of business, it was a very successful session; we passed a total of 12 bills. However, from the perspective of debate and discussion, it was not as successful," Rijiju said.
He said the Lok Sabha recorded 19 per cent productivity, while the Rajya Sabha recorded 39 per cent. Rijiju attributed the low figures largely to Opposition disruptions, while noting that NDA MPs and members of some Opposition parties did participate in debates.
According to Rijiju, only one Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act dealing with paper leaks and unfair practices in examinations, saw a full discussion. The legislation was also debated in the Rajya Sabha.
"This is not healthy for the parliamentary democracy," Rijiju said, criticising the Opposition for relying on protests and slogans instead of allowing debates to continue.
"In the Lok Sabha, 11 bills were passed without discussion, while one underwent discussion," Rijiju said.
Rajya Sabha takes up Mines and Minerals Bill
The Rajya Sabha ended its proceedings after Chairman C P Radhakrishnan reviewed the House’s functioning during the session.
On the final day, the Upper House set aside its usual Zero Hour and Question Hour schedule and took up the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which was later passed by voice vote.
The House had witnessed repeated disruptions on issues including police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and allegations linked to the theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Kharge, Nadda clash over Haldwani incident
Another flashpoint emerged over an alleged 'Shuddhikaran' or purification ritual at a stage in Haldwani after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there on August 8.
“But after my speech, people associated with the BJP carried out a 'purification' ritual of that stage,” Kharge said.
Leader of the House JP Nadda said the BJP did not support such activities and promised an inquiry.
“What Kharge ji has said is truly a matter of concern—not just for the Congress party, but for all of us,” Nadda said. “I want to make it absolutely clear that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities.”
Radhakrishnan said untouchability was condemned by all members and called for an investigation.
Lok Sabha adjourned amid sloganeering
The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die soon after proceedings began, following the traditional playing of Vande Mataram.
Opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded that the Union Home Minister make a statement and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond to issues raised by them. BJP and Opposition MPs also held counter-protests at the Makar Dwar steps.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi blamed the government for the disruptions.
“It is the ruling party itself that is preventing Parliament from functioning,” he said.
Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar rejected the allegation, saying discussion was central to Parliament.
“The Lok Sabha is a forum for discussion. There is no point in proceeding without discussion,” Khattar said, adding that the House “does not belong to any single individual”.
The session ended with disruptions continuing to shape proceedings in both Houses.