Kumar Bahukhandi
Opposition MPs protest in the Lok Sabha during the opening day of the Monsoon Session on Monday July 20, 2026 , forcing repeated adjournments as demands for discussions on key national issues disrupted parliamentary proceedings-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via Lok Sabha TV
Opposition presses for discussions on NEET controversy and Ram Temple donation allegations; Lok Sabha adjourned repeatedly on opening day
New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament got off to a stormy start on Monday July 20, 2026 , with repeated disruptions by opposition parties leading to multiple adjournments in the Lok Sabha. Raising slogans and displaying placards, opposition members demanded immediate discussions on the alleged NEET examination paper leak and allegations related to donations at the Ram Temple.
Speaker Om Birla appeals for order as opposition members raise slogans and display placards during the opening sitting of the Monsoon Session in the Lok Sabha on Monday July 20, 2026 -Photo credit-channel24india.com via Lok Sabha TV
The Lok Sabha convened at 11 a.m., but proceedings were interrupted almost immediately as opposition MPs gathered in the well of the House and began protesting. Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain order, particularly during the scheduled Question Hour, but the continued slogan-shouting forced him to adjourn the House until noon.
Before the adjournment, the Speaker expressed concern over members raising slogans even while obituary references to six former Members of Parliament were being read. He remarked that such conduct during tributes to departed parliamentarians was not in keeping with the dignity of the House.
When the House reassembled at 12 noon, the disruptions continued. Amid the commotion, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, seeking parliamentary approval to replace an ordinance that increases the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
However, normal legislative business could not proceed for long. Continued protests prompted another adjournment until 12:30 p.m., and when the House met again, opposition members resumed their demonstrations. Repeated appeals by the Chair to begin Zero Hour failed to restore order, leading to another adjournment until 1 p.m.
The first day of the Monsoon Session witnessed similar scenes of disruption in Parliament, underscoring the sharp political confrontation expected during the session. With several contentious issues likely to dominate discussions in the coming weeks, both the government and the opposition appear set for an intense legislative battle.
