Sonia Gandhi Leads Parade Against ‘SIR’ Exercise Amid Tense Monsoon Session

On the eleventh day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi took a stand with MPs from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc by participating in a protest outside the Parliament at Makar Dwar. The demonstration was directed at the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in election-bound Bihar and recent arrests of laborers in BJP-ruled states.

Displaying a banner reading 'SIR-attack on Democracy,' Gandhi was joined by her daughter, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, echoing the opposition's claims that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is operating under governmental pressure, especially in light of developments in Bihar. The protest leveraged visuals portraying the EC as obedient, as highlighted by the hashtag #SIR.

Despite initial sessions being marked by fervent discussions, Parliament's agenda is set with significant legislative matters today. These include debates on the extension of President's Rule in Manipur, spearheaded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, presented by Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Minister of State L Murugan will move for the election of ten Rajya Sabha members to the OBC Welfare Committee, aligning the Rajya Sabha with legislative duties in synchrony with the Lok Sabha. Prominent ministers are also poised to provide updates on the implementation of committee recommendations, a point of parliamentary scrutiny especially related to finance and corporate affairs.

The Monsoon Session anticipates rigorous debate as it delves into legislative priorities, maintaining momentum amidst potential disruptions and passing key bills before its conclusion on August 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)