Opposition parties walked out of an all-party meeting in New Delhi on July 19, 2026, to protest the government’s decision to invite a breakaway group of Trinamool Congress MPs. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju invited the group, which claims to have merged with the Tripura-based Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), despite the Lok Sabha Speaker not yet recognizing the faction. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin July 20 and conclude August 13.
Opposition Protest Over Rebel Trinamool MPs
The walkout involved a broad coalition of opposition parties, including the DMK, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and various Left parties. According to Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, the protest served as a mark of disapproval regarding the inclusion of the 20 “rebel” Trinamool MPs, whom he described as using the NCPI as a “parking place.” Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra challenged the constitutional basis for the invitation, noting that disqualification petitions against the rebels remain pending. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government’s stance, stating that the MPs had requested recognition from the Speaker and that it is the government’s responsibility to engage all stakeholders. Mr. Rijiju later characterized the walkout as “symbolic” rather than a total boycott of proceedings.
Legislative Agenda and Political Disputes
Following their return to the meeting, opposition leaders pressed for discussions on several contentious issues. These include the NEET paper leak controversy, the alleged theft of Ram temple donations, the situation in Manipur, and the Delhi Police’s actions regarding activist Sonam Wangchuk. CPI(M) leader John Brittas further criticized the government, alleging that BJP-engineered splits in opposition parties undermine democratic representation. Additionally, CPI Rajya Sabha leader P. Sandosh Kumar raised concerns regarding the “growing menace” of political defections, price rises, and the restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Delimitation Bill and Future Parliamentary Sessions
Uncertainty remains regarding the potential revival of the Delimitation Bill. Opposition leaders sought clarity on the government’s plans, particularly in light of recent shifts in the composition of the Lok Sabha. DMK leader Tiruchi Siva stated that while his party supports women’s reservation, any delimitation process must not adversely impact southern states. Mr. Siva suggested that if the exercise negatively affects the south, it should be held in abeyance for 25 years. While Mr. Rijiju did not confirm whether the bill will be introduced during the upcoming session, he indicated that the matter would be addressed at the Business Advisory Committee meeting. The government has urged all parties to prioritize the smooth functioning of Parliament, warning that disruptions and sloganeering ultimately harm the legislative process.