The session will comprise 19 sittings and continue until 13 August. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the media before proceedings begin
New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on Monday amid heightened political tensions, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Opposition parties expected to clash over a series of contentious issues, including key legislation, the NEET-UG paper leak and the status of rebel Trinamool Congress MPs.
The session will comprise 19 sittings and continue until 13 August. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the media before proceedings begin.
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One of the first flashpoints is likely to be the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), which Opposition parties have accused of being a "parking place" for 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs.
The controversy intensified after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju invited the NCPI to an all-party meeting, prompting Opposition leaders to stage a symbolic walkout on Sunday.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra argued that the Lok Sabha Speaker has not yet formally approved the merger of the rebel MPs with the NCPI, making the party's recognition premature.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has, however, permitted separate seating arrangements for the 20 MPs while the merger remains under consideration.
Defending the government's decision, Rijiju described the Opposition's protest as "symbolic" and said no Member of Parliament could be denied their rights based on numerical strength.
NCPI chief Sudip Bandyopadhyay also defended his party, describing it as a secular outfit committed to communal harmony.
The parliamentary arithmetic has also drawn attention, with the NDA currently holding 298 seats in the 540-member Lok Sabha, where three seats remain vacant. If the Speaker approves the merger of the 20 rebel MPs, the alliance's strength would rise to 318 seats.
The government is also expected to push several important Bills during the session. Among the proposals likely to generate debate is the possible reintroduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats while implementing 33 per cent reservation for women. The Bill was defeated earlier this year amid Opposition concerns over its delimitation provisions, with parties such as the DMK arguing that they could reduce the political representation of southern states.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to replace an ordinance increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37.
Another closely watched proposal is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, which aims to establish a designated authority to manage and dispose of foreign assets while introducing stricter provisions for the cancellation of FCRA registrations after their expiry.
The Opposition is also preparing to corner the government over several issues. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, while Opposition parties are also expected to raise allegations relating to the theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Ahead of the session, Speaker Om Birla urged all political parties to ensure constructive and meaningful debates in both Houses.
Published: 20 Jul 2026, 08:22 am IST
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