Opposition Protests Disrupt Both Houses of Indian Parliament

Opposition members disrupted proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on July 21, 2026, during the second day of the Monsoon Session. The disruptions, characterized by persistent sloganeering, led to repeated adjournments in both Houses and prevented the completion of Question Hour for two consecutive days.

Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Congress party and Leader of the Opposition, coordinated a strategy meeting with the INDIA bloc to demand discussions on NEET-UG medical entrance exam paper leaks and police action against student protesters at Jantar Mantar. Kharge condemned the use of lathi charges and tear gas against students marching with the Cockroach Janta Party, stating that the injured students are now in hospitals.

In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house twice, first until noon and later until 2 p.m. via presiding officer Sandhya Ray. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan similarly adjourned the house until 2 p.m. after appeals for decorum were ignored. Beyond the examination leaks, opposition members raised concerns regarding alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

Despite the turmoil, the government attempted to advance its legislative agenda. Key items slated for consideration included the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by Arjun Ram Meghwal, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by Amit Shah. The latter bill seeks to criminalize the intentional prevention of the singing of 'Vande Mataram', a move formally contested by CPI(M) MP John Brittas.