July 22, 2025 — The Monsoon Session of Parliament was thrown into turmoil as both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were repeatedly adjourned following loud protests by Opposition members. The trigger: the sudden resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
VP Dhankhar Resigns Without Warning
At the very start of the day’s proceedings, Rajya Sabha was informed by Ghanshyam Tiwari that the Ministry of Home Affairs had accepted Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The resignation, effective immediately, was reportedly due to health concerns.
While the government cited medical advice, the Opposition suggested “far deeper reasons,” fueling speculation and intensifying demands for a full discussion in the House.
Protests Over Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar
Simultaneously, the Lok Sabha faced disruptions as Opposition MPs stormed into the well of the House, demanding debate on the Election Commission’s SIR drive in Bihar. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised concerns about the exclusion of Aadhaar and PAN cards from the voter verification list, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
MPs displayed placards and chanted slogans, forcing the officiating Speaker Jagadambika Pal to adjourn the House twice—first till noon, and then till 2 p.m.
Rule 267 Notices Rejected in Rajya Sabha
Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected all 12 notices submitted under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha. These notices called for suspension of regular business to debate key issues like the Bihar SIR, Operation Sindoor, and the Vice-President’s resignation.
Opposition MPs including CPI’s P. Sandosh and Congress’s Akhilesh Prasad Singh voiced strong objections. Their demands were dismissed, and the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.
Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam Attack Debate Agreed
In a significant development, the government agreed to a 16-hour debate on India’s Operation Sindoor and the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, tensions continued as the Opposition demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiate the discussion immediately.
This move follows four unscheduled adjournments in Lok Sabha on Monday, showing a growing deadlock between both sides of the aisle.
Impeachment Motion Against Justice Varma
In a parallel move, Parliament began the process to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma. A total of 63 Opposition members in Rajya Sabha and 152 MPs in Lok Sabha, including Rahul Gandhi, signed the removal motion after currency notes were allegedly found at the judge’s residence.
The bipartisan backing of the Lok Sabha notice indicates strong cross-party consensus on the issue.
Important Bills Scheduled Amid Uproar
Despite the chaos, some legislative work was scheduled. The Lok Sabha was to discuss the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa Bill, 2024, while the Rajya Sabha planned to take up the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025. However, the adjournments left the fate of these discussions uncertain.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Suppression in House
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, expressed his frustration. “It’s my right to speak, but I am never allowed to,” he said, further igniting Opposition sentiment.
His remarks came amid repeated refusals by the Speaker to admit adjournment motions on the electoral roll issue, even as protests spilled onto the Parliament’s iconic Makar Dwar steps.
What’s Next for the Monsoon Session?
With Parliament reeling from back-to-back controversies—the resignation of the Vice-President, protests over electoral transparency, and a high-profile impeachment attempt—the Monsoon Session stands on shaky ground.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on whether a compromise will be reached to allow the House to function or if disruption will remain the norm for the coming days.
