New Delhi: The 18th Lok Sabha concluded on Thursday as Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House sine die, ending a session marked by legislative progress on paper but overshadowed by repeated Opposition disruptions over Bihar’s electoral roll revision ahead of the state’s Assembly elections in November.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the valedictory sitting. In his closing remarks, Speaker Birla expressed deep concern over unruly conduct, including the display of placards and sloganeering such as “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod,” which he said violated parliamentary decorum. “Our conduct is being watched by the nation. The House must uphold dignity and democratic values,” he urged.
Of the 120 hours allotted for discussion, only 37 were used due to disruptions. While 419 starred questions were submitted, just 55 were answered. Birla termed this “a breach of public trust,” noting that citizens expect accountability, not slogans.
During the session, 14 bills were introduced and 12 passed, including the Income Tax Bill, Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, and National Sports Governance Bill. The Online Gaming Regulation Bill was also cleared, while the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The session featured notable debates, including a special discussion on Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—where PM Modi called it a resolute counter-terror initiative. Another highlight was the celebration of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station, hailed as a milestone in India’s space journey.
Despite these moments, disruptions dominated the proceedings. Opposition members continued slogan-shouting even during the Speaker’s valedictory remarks. Birla stressed that the Lok Sabha is “a sacred space for policy and debate, not theatrics.”
On the final day, several committee reports were tabled, and ministers, including those for Home Affairs, Environment, Ports, Road Transport, Education, and Civil Aviation, presented departmental papers.
Before adjourning, Speaker Birla thanked the Prime Minister and members who engaged constructively and appealed for future sessions to recommit to deliberation, dignity, and responsibility. With the Monsoon session closed, attention now shifts to the upcoming Bihar elections and the hope for a more effective Parliament ahead.
