As the Monsoon Session of Parliament commences on Monday, the Indian National Congress has outlined a robust agenda of issues it intends to raise and oppose in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Jairam Ramesh, the party's communication in-charge, detailed these priorities following a high-level meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party held in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Sonia Gandhi and included key leaders such as Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior Members of Parliament.
One of the central issues the Congress plans to highlight is the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple. This issue, along with concerns over ethanol-blended fuels and ongoing question paper leaks in educational examinations, will be brought to the forefront during parliamentary debates. The party is also gearing up to challenge any delimitation Bill that the government might introduce in the session.
Delimitation Bill and Opposition Unity
The delimitation Bill, which involves redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, has been a contentious topic. The Congress has made its stance clear: it will oppose the Bill. Jairam Ramesh noted that the government had previously failed to pass the delimitation Bill despite prolonged discussions in Parliament. While the party has not yet received official information about the government's current proposals, it expects to learn more in an upcoming all-party meeting convened to discuss the Bill.
Ramesh expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these meetings, remarking that although many leaders and ministers attend and speak, the decisions ultimately rest with the top leadership who often act independently. Nevertheless, the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, is actively engaged in uniting opposition parties to present a consolidated front against the government's delimitation plans.
Meanwhile, Kharge has taken formal steps to seek dialogue on this sensitive issue. He has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to call an all-party meeting before the Bill is introduced. Kharge's letter emphasized the need for adequate time to study the government's revised proposals, which reportedly include a significant 50 percent increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to states. The proposed amendment, identified as the 131st Amendment Bill, 2026, is also linked to the implementation of the long-pending women's reservation law, which itself is a subject of ongoing debate.
Women's Reservation Bill
While the Congress opposes the delimitation Bill, it reiterated support for the immediate implementation of the women's reservation Bill, which proposes reserving one-third of all seats in Parliament and state legislatures for women. Jairam Ramesh highlighted this as a clear and positive exception to the party's otherwise oppositional stance on the government's legislative agenda.
Opposition to Other Government Measures
Apart from delimitation, the Congress plans to challenge amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). This legislation governs the receipt and utilization of foreign funds by non-governmental organizations and has been a subject of controversy and scrutiny.
Ramesh also condemned the recent defections of Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other opposition parties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He described these defections as an "insult to the Constitution" but expressed confidence that the BJP would not be able to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The Congress leadership continues to maintain contact with opposition leaders affected by such defections in an effort to strengthen their ranks.
Ethanol-Blended Fuels and Corruption Allegations
Another issue set to be raised by the Congress is the controversy surrounding ethanol-blended fuels. Jairam Ramesh alleged that a senior BJP leader and his son are involved in irregularities related to this sector. The party intends to demand a parliamentary debate on the matter to seek accountability and transparency.
Educational Examination Irregularities
Education has also emerged as a critical concern. The Congress referred to activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, which supports the Cockroach Janta Party's call for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This demand is rooted in allegations of irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other examinations. The Congress has been persistently calling for the minister's resignation over the past 45 days and plans to continue pressing this demand in Parliament.
Congress Leadership's Strategic Approach
The Congress's parliamentary strategy reflects a broader aim to consolidate opposition forces against the government's legislative and policy initiatives. The party's leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, is actively engaged in outreach to other opposition figures to build consensus, especially on matters like the delimitation Bill, which has significant political implications.
Kharge's proactive communication with Prime Minister Modi, through formal letters requesting consultations, underscores the party's insistence on democratic processes and transparency in legislative affairs. While expressing frustration over the lack of prior consultations on the delimitation proposals, Kharge's appeal for an all-party meeting signals a willingness to engage constructively, provided the government respects the parliamentary norms of discussion and debate.
Journalistic Context
This detailed account is provided by Asad Rehman, a seasoned journalist with the national bureau of The Indian Express. With over eight years of experience covering politics and policy, particularly focusing on religious minorities, Rehman brings an informed perspective to these developments. His previous work includes extensive reporting on Uttar Pradesh's political landscape, major protests, and landmark litigations such as the Babri Masjid-Ram Temple dispute and the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath temple case. His background in history and mass communication further enriches his analytical insights into India's complex political dynamics.
In summary, the Congress enters the Monsoon Session with a clear set of priorities aimed at holding the government accountable on multiple fronts. From challenging the delimitation Bill and seeking transparency in legislative processes to advocating for women's representation and addressing allegations of corruption and educational irregularities, the party positions itself as a vocal and determined opposition force. The unfolding parliamentary debates and political maneuvering in the coming weeks will be closely watched as the government and opposition navigate these critical issues.