PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi lock horns in Parliament over Op Sindoor, voice suppression | Key highlights

The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on July 21 with tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Air India AI-171 crash. Members of the Lok Sabha observed a two-minute silence in their memory before the day’s proceedings began. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the media before entering Parliament, said that the monsoon is important for India's rejuvenation and economy. He also highlighted India’s progress in sectors like fintech and space, noting, “Digital India is leading the way, UPI has earned a name in the world of FinTech.” He called India’s flag at the International Space Station “a remarkable achievement” that would motivate the youth.

The Prime Minister said India is on the path to becoming the third-largest economy in the world. “Ten years ago, before 2014, India's economy was ranked 10th globally. Today, it's rapidly knocking on the third position,” he stated. He added that the inflation rate, previously in double digits, was now close to two percent. Modi also mentioned that the WHO had declared India a trachoma-free nation. On security, he said, “India has been a victim of terrorism and naxalism. Today territory of naxalism is shrinking in the country. Our forces are eliminating them. Today, many districts are free of naxalism.”

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi said, “The world has seen the power and strength of our armed forces. During Operation Sindoor, the armed forces achieved 100 per cent success by going inside the territory of our enemy and executing the mission within 22 minutes.” He added that a discussion on Operation Sindoor in Parliament would boost the morale of the forces and promote the use of indigenous military equipment. “Our MPs from across party lines went around the world and exposed Pakistan,” he said about the Pahalgam attack, urging unity on issues of national interest.

The session, however, witnessed multiple disruptions in both Houses. Lok Sabha was adjourned at least thrice, first till noon, then till 2 pm, and again till 4 pm. Chaos erupted during Question Hour, with opposition MPs raising slogans demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla warned members against slogan-shouting inside the House. Rajya Sabha was also adjourned till 12 pm following similar disruptions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking to the press outside Parliament, said, “I am the Leader of Opposition, it is my right, I am never allowed to speak.” He added, “The question is that the defence minister and their (the BJP) people are allowed to speak, but if someone from the opposition wants to say something, he is not allowed.” He alleged that Prime Minister Modi “ran out of the House in a second” and stated, “We wanted to say two words, but the opposition was not allowed.”

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed both Houses regarding the Air India AI-171 crash. In the Rajya Sabha, he said, “AAIB is carrying out the investigation in a transparent manner.” He urged for calm, stating that conclusions should wait until the investigation is complete. He also commented on reports around the crash: “I have seen multiple articles not only by the Indian media but also by the Western media trying to promote their own viewpoint. The way we are seeing the investigation is through facts.”

On the legislative front, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, the Select Committee's report on the new Income-Tax Bill, 2025 was presented by committee chairman Baijayant Panda. The bill, which aims to simplify the language and structure of the Income Tax Act, 1961, was tabled in February and is listed for passage during this session. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also addressed the House on the ongoing impeachment proceedings related to Justice Varma.