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Parliament monsoon session begins, Opposition to raise issues from Pahalgam attack to Bihar voter rolls

As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, the Opposition, led by the Congress, is prepared to challenge the Modi government over recent internal security failures, foreign policy moves, and electoral issues in Bihar.

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Parliament

As the Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025 kicks off, political tensions are poised to escalate with the Opposition, led by the Congress, gearing up to question the government on a wide spectrum of sensitive issues. From recent internal security failures in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam to foreign policy decisions and electoral matters in Bihar, the stage is set for an intense parliamentary battle.

Security and foreign policy in spotlight

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has issued a notice in Rajya Sabha demanding a discussion on the “lapses in internal security” that enabled a terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Opposition is also pressing for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the government’s internal and external responses following the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.

Adding to the political heat, Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh has posted that the party will also seek a clarification on US President Donald Trump’s recent statement claiming he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Congress is expected to raise concerns over implications for India’s foreign policy.

Bihar voter rolls and two-front axis concerns

Apart from security issues, the Congress has raised red flags over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain has already submitted a formal notice seeking a debate on the matter.

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi also highlighted the growing threat along India’s borders, citing concerns from senior military officials about a “two-front axis” comprising China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The party wants this issue addressed in a comprehensive debate on defence and foreign policy.

Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Manipur on agenda

Restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, demands for Schedule VI status for Ladakh, and the prolonged instability in Manipur are also on the Congress’s agenda during the session. These issues are likely to spark prolonged debates, given their political and regional sensitivities.

Government’s legislative focus

Despite the looming confrontations, the government has lined up a heavy legislative agenda. Eight new bills are scheduled to be introduced, while eight pending bills will be taken up for discussion and passage. Notably, the amended Income Tax Bill—first introduced during the Budget Session in February—will be reintroduced after Cabinet clearance. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, aimed at easing business and regulatory practices, is also among the key proposals.

Calls for cooperation

At an all-party meeting attended by members from 51 political parties, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged all parties to work together for the smooth conduct of proceedings. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed the sentiment, emphasizing mutual respect and constructive dialogue.

The Monsoon Session will run until August 21, including 21 sittings over 32 days, with a scheduled break from August 12 to August 18.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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