The monsoon session of Parliament concludes with a mix of significant legislative achievements and political turmoil. Amid disruptions, both houses passed key bills on online gaming, mines and minerals, sports governance, and a law to enhance political accountability. The government also pushed through key reforms in shipping, taxation, and the labour market.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged opposition parties to address their concerns with the Election Commission directly rather than disrupting Parliament. The move follows a string of controversies including the EC’s special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and allegations of vote theft by the ruling party.
Opposition MPs plan to march from Parliament to the Election Commission over alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bihar and other concerns. During the walk, they will display banners and raise slogans demanding an end to “vote chori.” The BJP’s Amit Shah has defended the EC’s actions, arguing that voters who were removed from voter lists due to criminal charges would have had a legitimate claim to their seats.
Daryl Maguire, the former NSW MP, was sentenced to ten months in jail for bribing a police officer and using fake evidence to persuade an ICAC inquiry. The MP has vowed to appeal his conviction.
This week, the Hereditary Peers Bill will return to the Lords for Report Stage while MPs debate the Pension Schemes Bill and children’s health and education. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP and Defence Secretary John Healey MP face oral questions from MPs and select committee scrutiny. The Home Secretary will also appear before the Liaison Committee.