The Indian Parliament's Monsoon Session, the first session following the 2024 general elections, commenced on Thursday, July 25, 2024, but saw immediate and sustained disruption, leading to its adjournment for the entire day. Opposition parties staged widespread protests within both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, primarily over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 examination and accusations of "donation chori" related to political funding.

Proceedings in both houses were initiated with the customary oath-taking ceremony for newly elected members and tributes to former parliamentarians. However, these initial courtesies were quickly overshadowed by the intensifying protests from opposition benches. Members from various parties, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and others, stood in the well of the houses, displaying placards and shouting slogans.

Key points of contention highlighted by the opposition included:

  • NEET-UG 2024 Irregularities: Protesters demanded accountability and a comprehensive discussion on alleged paper leaks, controversial grace marks, and other reported discrepancies in the medical entrance examination. Slogans such as "NEET-NEET, scam-scam" and "NEET pe charcha karo" (discuss NEET) resonated through the chambers.
  • "Donation Chori" Allegations: Opposition members also raised concerns about perceived lack of transparency in political funding, using the term "donation chori" to refer to what they allege are corrupt practices involving corporate donations to political parties, reminiscent of controversies surrounding the now-defunct electoral bond scheme.

In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla attempted to conduct the Question Hour amid the commotion. However, the persistent sloganeering and displaying of placards by opposition members, demanding immediate discussions on the issues, rendered normal functioning impossible. The house was first adjourned shortly after 11:00 AM, then again until 12:00 PM, and finally for the day without transacting any significant legislative business. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha experienced repeated adjournments as members of the treasury benches and opposition engaged in heated exchanges, preventing the smooth conduct of proceedings. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar appealed for order, emphasizing the importance of legislative decorum, but to no avail.

The government, through parliamentary affairs ministers, indicated its readiness to discuss issues raised by the opposition under appropriate rules, but asserted that such discussions could only occur once order was restored. However, the opposition maintained its stance, insisting on immediate and substantive engagement on their concerns.

This initial disruption sets a challenging tone for the Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to continue until August 9. The session is critical for the newly formed government to introduce and pass key legislation, address national issues, and conduct essential parliamentary oversight. The complete washout of the first day underscores the deep divisions and intense political climate following the recent general elections, with significant legislative hurdles anticipated in the coming weeks. Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on Friday, July 26, 2024.