The Union government will move ahead with four important bills in Parliament on Monday, despite continued protests by the Congress-led Opposition. The Opposition has demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the violence against students in Delhi and has continued to target the BJP over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft.
With only nine working days left in the Monsoon Session before Parliament adjourns on August 13, the government has stepped up efforts to pass major legislation.
Government Focuses on Passing Pending Bills
The Centre has placed several important bills on Monday's parliamentary agenda. One of the key proposals seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to 37. Another bill proposes amendments related to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
The government will also introduce a bill to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the Indian Statistical Institute. In addition, it plans to modernise the law governing evidence contained in bankers' books so that it aligns with today's digital banking system.
Government Accelerates Legislative Agenda
The government has increased the pace of lawmaking after Parliament cleared two major bills last week despite repeated Opposition protests. In less than 15 minutes, both Houses passed legislation granting Vande Mataram legal protection equal to that of the National Anthem.
On Friday, Parliament also approved another bill that tightened rules regarding delayed registration of births and deaths. The legislation passed in under five minutes amid continued disruptions.
Rijiju Rejects Opposition's Criticism
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Opposition's accusation that the government was forcing bills through Parliament without debate. He argued that repeated protests by Opposition members had reduced the time available for discussion.
“You say that the government passes bills by steamrolling them through... You cannot make this allegation, because you have missed your opportunity... Regarding any bills we bring forward in the future, if you create such a ruckus over them as well, it will not be good at all... Therefore, please cooperate and do not create a ruckus,” Rijiju said.
Opposition to Raise Ram Mandir and Delhi Violence Issues Again
The Opposition has decided to continue raising both issues when Parliament resumes on Monday. The Congress has intensified its attack on the BJP over the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
At the same time, several Opposition parties have demanded that Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament on the violence that broke out during a student protest march to Parliament in Delhi on July 20.
FCRA Amendment Bill May Trigger Fresh Debate
Opposition leaders also expect the government to take up the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill later during the Monsoon Session.
According to them, the proposed law would allow authorities to take control of assets created through foreign donations if an organisation fails to renew its FCRA registration.
Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O'Brien has urged the government to send the bill to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination before passing it.
Congress Sharpens Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Case
The Congress further intensified its criticism of the BJP on Sunday over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of using the Ram Temple issue for political benefit.
“The BJP never wanted the Ram Temple to be built; it only wanted the issue of the Ram Temple... Their benefit lay in keeping the temple issue alive — ensuring that violence continued and the demands persisted,” Tiwari said. He also claimed that the temple was inaugurated before construction was completed because of electoral considerations.
Investigation into Donation Theft Continues
The controversy began in June, when allegations emerged that donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya had been misappropriated. An SIT formed at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust submitted a preliminary report. Based on its findings, Ayodhya Police registered an FIR against eight people accused of siphoning off donation money during the counting process.
Later, following a direction from the Supreme Court, the Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted the SIT. It appointed Inspector General (Lucknow Range) Kiran S to lead a new three-member investigation panel.
Opposition to Finalise Strategy
Opposition floor leaders will meet on Monday morning to decide their strategy for the remaining days of the Monsoon Session. They are expected to continue demanding a statement from Amit Shah on the Delhi student violence while opposing the government's efforts to pass key legislation before Parliament concludes its session on August 13.
