Congress MP Manish Tewari on Monday urged the Centre to ensure a meaningful and productive Monsoon Session of Parliament by allowing discussions on issues affecting the country, including the alleged failures in the education system and allegations surrounding donations at the Ram Temple. He also pressed for sweeping reforms to India’s anti-defection law, arguing that the present legislation has failed to prevent politically motivated defections.
Calls For Debate On Education Crisis And Ram Temple Allegations
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tewari said the Opposition was prepared for a productive session, provided the government agreed to hold discussions on matters of public importance.
“We also want that the monsoon session should be productive but there are certain very fundamental issues connected with the aspirations and the emotions of people. There has to be accountability for the massive failures in India’s education system. Similarly, there needs to be a threadbare discussion on the alleged misappropriation of the offerings at the Ram Temple… Let the Govt facilitate a discussion and the House will run,” he said.
The remarks came as the Opposition continued to push for debates on issues including examination irregularities and other matters it says require parliamentary scrutiny.
Congress MP Pushes For Fresh Anti-Defection Law
Tewari also revealed that he had submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice seeking discussion on replacing the existing anti-defection framework, saying it no longer serves its intended purpose.
“I had given an Adjournment Motion Notice today that India needs a new anti-defection law. The previous anti-defection law has completely and absolutely failed. You need a new anti-defection law which stops this opportunism driven defection which is bereft of any ideological or policy differences while simultaneously providing space for honest and critical dissent… The House which was elected in June 2024 is not the House which is there in July 2026…” he said.
Opposition Raises Electoral Reform Concerns
According to Tewari, the current law has failed to curb defections driven by political convenience rather than ideological differences. He argued that while elected representatives should be discouraged from switching sides for personal or political gain, Parliament should also protect legislators who voice genuine dissent within their parties.
His remarks come amid continuing political debates over recent defections and mergers involving Members of Parliament, with the Opposition accusing the government of weakening democratic institutions.
Why did Manish Tewari demand a new anti-defection law?
He said the existing anti-defection law has “completely and absolutely failed” to stop opportunistic defections and called for legislation that discourages political switching while protecting genuine dissent.
What issues did Tewari want Parliament to discuss?
He sought debates on the alleged failures in India’s education system, including examination-related issues, and the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple.
What did Tewari say about the Monsoon Session?
He said the Opposition wants the session to be productive but stressed that the government must allow discussions on issues affecting the aspirations and concerns of the people.
Why did Tewari say the House elected in 2024 is different from the House in 2026?
He was referring to changes in the composition of Parliament due to defections and political realignments, arguing that these developments highlight the need for stronger anti-defection legislation.
