Centre Moves to Extend President’s Rule in Manipur, Appoints New Chief Secretary Ask ChatGPT
Former Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh had been transferred to this post shortly before the imposition of President’s Rule in January this year
Monsoon Session 2025: Govt Readies Bills as Opposition Prepares to Corner Centre on SIR, Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor
The BJP-led NDA government is gearing up for a packed Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 21, with a strong legislative agenda that includes eight new Bills and the pending Income Tax Bill. However, the Opposition is preparing to confront the government over a slew of sensitive issues ranging from national security to electoral integrity.
Among the major flashpoints will be the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists on April 22; the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission (EC) in poll-bound Bihar; and the aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor. Also drawing fire is US President Donald Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—an assertion the Opposition has demanded the government clarify.
Opposition Mounts Pressure Ahead of Session
The Congress and other INDIA bloc allies have already begun strategy meetings. On Tuesday, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi met with senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to finalize their plan of action for the session.
The Congress has accused the Election Commission of turning the SIR process into a “tool for disenfranchisement,” particularly targeting vulnerable communities in Bihar. “This cannot be allowed to erode the foundation of our democracy,” said senior Congress leader Manish Tewari, calling for a structured debate on the EC’s conduct and transparency.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh echoed these concerns while demanding accountability over the Pahalgam attack. “Even the J&K L-G has admitted it was a security failure. The government must respond,” he said. He also questioned reports of aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor.
Government’s Legislative Push and Key Issues
According to a government source, despite the Opposition’s aggressive stance, the Treasury benches aim to advance legislation. “While the focus will be on SIR, Sindoor, and the Ahmedabad air crash, we have significant Bills, including the Sports Bill, to discuss,” the source noted.
BJP leader and MP Anurag Thakur said the government is open to discussions: “The Prime Minister believes in debate. It is the Opposition that often walks out instead of engaging.”
The session is also expected to take up impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma, from whose residence large amounts of unaccounted cash were reportedly found. An inquiry committee will be formed to investigate the charges. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar is reviewing a separate impeachment notice filed by the Opposition against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav over his alleged communal remarks.
Manipur and the President’s Rule Extension
Another contentious issue will be the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, which was imposed in February 2025 and requires parliamentary approval every six months. The Opposition is expected to grill the government on its handling of the prolonged ethnic crisis in the state.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised PM Modi for failing to visit Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. “While the Prime Minister tours the world, Manipur has been left to fend for itself for over two years,” he said.
