Lok Sabha Concludes with 12 Bills Passed, Speaker Om Birla Criticizes Opposition Slogans and Walkouts

New Delhi: The 18th Lok Sabha concluded its Monsoon session on Thursday as Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House sine die, ending a session that showcased legislative achievements on paper but was repeatedly hampered by opposition disruptions. The session witnessed spirited protests over the special intensive revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for November.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the final proceedings, arriving at 12:04 p.m.

In his valedictory remarks, Speaker Birla expressed serious concern over the conduct of some members, criticizing the use of placards, slogans, and unparliamentary language. Despite repeated warnings, Opposition members continued shouting “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod,” violating parliamentary decorum.

“Our conduct is being observed by the entire nation,” Speaker Birla stated, emphasizing the responsibility of all members to preserve the dignity of the House and the values of India’s democracy.

The Speaker highlighted that, although 120 hours had been allocated for discussions as per the Business Advisory Committee, only 37 hours were effectively utilized due to repeated disruptions. Of the 419 starred questions submitted, only 55 received answers. “This is not merely a procedural lapse—it is a breach of public trust. The people expect accountability, not slogans,” he added.

Despite the disturbances, the session saw legislative progress with the introduction of 14 bills and the passage of 12, including the Income Tax Bill, the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, the National Sports Governance Bill, and the Online Gaming Regulation Bill. The 130th Amendment to the Constitution Bill was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for further review.

The Opposition’s persistent demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into Bihar’s electoral roll revisions and other matters led to repeated walkouts and delayed proceedings throughout the session.

The House also marked significant moments of national pride. A special discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, took place on July 28–29, with Prime Minister Modi addressing members. The operation was lauded as a measured and decisive counter-terror initiative, reinforcing India’s defense posture.

Another highlight was Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the International Space Station, celebrated in the House as a demonstration of India’s scientific excellence and global leadership.

Speaker Birla underscored that slogans, placards, and unparliamentary language undermine democratic decorum. “The House is not a stage for theatrics but a platform for serious policy discussions and debate,” he warned, appealing to all members to respect parliamentary norms.

Earlier in the day, he declined to entertain multiple adjournment notices but allowed the presentation of several committee reports. Kalyan Vaijinathrao Kale submitted reports from the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers, while Gajendra Singh Patel tabled reports from the Social Justice and Empowerment Committee for 2024–25. Ministers from key portfolios, including Home Affairs, Environment, Ports and Shipping, Road Transport, Education, and Civil Aviation, laid departmental papers before the House.

Before adjourning, Speaker Birla thanked Prime Minister Modi and all constructive members and called on future sessions to recommit to deliberation, dignity, and democratic responsibility.