India News

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.

Published

1 year ago

July 21, 2025

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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.

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India News

Asish Banerjee found dead in Rampurhat, Mamata Banerjee aide’s death shocks TMC

Former West Bengal deputy speaker and five-time Rampurhat MLA Asish Banerjee was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum.

Published

1 hour ago

August 16, 2026

APNLive Desk

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office next to his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning.

Police said his body was found hanging and was sent for postmortem. A large crowd gathered outside the Trinamool Congress office after news of his death spread.

Who was Asish Banerjee?

Asish Banerjee had served as the deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly when Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was the state’s chief minister. He was also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat.

He had served as Bengal’s education and agriculture minister after Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress first came to power in the state.

Banerjee contested the West Bengal Assembly election earlier this year but lost the Rampurhat seat to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.

Asish Banerjee’s recent party role

Banerjee stepped down as chairman of the Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district core committee in June. At the time, he said he would continue as a general member of the party.

He lived in the Hattalapara neighbourhood of Rampurhat, with the party office where his body was found located next to his house.

BJP gains in Birbhum

The BJP won six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Birbhum in the latest state election. This marked a significant change from 2021, when the Trinamool Congress had won 10 seats in the district while the BJP had secured one.

Police have sent Asish Banerjee’s body for postmortem as the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

India News

IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

India News

Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Published

1 day ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.