Restoration of J&K Statehood, Electoral Reforms Dominate Opposition Agenda for Monsoon Session of Indian Parliament

With the Monsoon Session of Indian Parliament set to begin on July 21, the political landscape is heating up in New Delhi, as the opposition alliance and key members of the Indian National Congress (INC) sharpen their agenda around pressing national concerns. 

From full-fledged statehood for Jammu & Kashmir to alleged electoral rigging, opposition leaders have drawn red lines, setting the stage for what could be a highly charged parliamentary season.

File Photo Source: Gaurav Gogoi on X

At the all-party meeting convened by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the government called for cooperation and assured that all key issues could be debated within the regular session—rejecting Opposition demands for a special sitting. 

The government also highlighted key legislative achievements from the previous Budget Session, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, and expressed readiness to debate issues raised by the Opposition.

Meanwhile, in a defiant move, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress took to the streets demanding immediate and unconditional restoration of statehood, prompting a forceful crackdown by the local administration. 

The PCC office in Srinagar was sealed, and senior Congress leaders including JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra were detained, triggering outrage. 

Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the arrests, calling it “cowardly” and warning that “no force can shake our resolve to fight for the dignity and democratic rights of Jammu & Kashmir.”

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh detailed the party’s demands at the all-party meeting, presented by Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi. These include:

• Full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir, and Schedule VI status for Ladakh.

• A thorough parliamentary discussion on security lapses, including the Pahalgam incident and statements by top officials.

• Scrutiny of the SIR exercise, described as an “orchestrated disenfranchisement” impacting states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

• A deep dive into India’s foreign policy challenges, particularly its response to China, and the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

Echoing these concerns, K.C. Venugopal, Congress MP and INDIA Alliance coordinator, accused the Narendra Modi-led government of breaking its promise on J&K statehood and suppressing democratic protest. 

“Did PM Modi lie on the floor of Parliament?” he asked, as calls for accountability intensified. He added that leaders of 24 opposition parties met virtually under Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s leadership to finalize a unified front, with plans for an in-person INDIA Alliance summit in August.

Held All Party Meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session 2025. The govt is looking forward to a session marked by dialogue, cooperation and very meaningful outcomes. #Parliament pic.twitter.com/d6TwcOZj2Y

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 20, 2025

The government, for its part, has stated that all matters—including J&K and electoral reforms—can be brought to the floor of Parliament for open debate. 

Rijiju emphasized the importance of smooth legislative functioning, urging parties to “rise above politics” and focus on national interest.

Political temperatures will rise both inside and outside the Parliament. 

With Jammu and Kashmir’s future back on the national agenda and questions swirling around electoral integrity, foreign policy, and internal security, the coming weeks are expected to test both the resolve of the Opposition and the responsiveness of the government.