New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday after passing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026; concluding a stormy Monsoon Session marked by repeated disruptions, protests and heated political exchanges.
The House concluded with the singing of the full Vande Mataram.
Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, in his concluding remarks, expressed deep concern over the session being marked by “persistent disorder and frequent disruptions”.
He informed the House that the Upper House functioned for a total of 37 hours and 49 minutes during the session.
Despite the interruptions, he noted that the House managed to complete its core legislative business by considering and passing or returning 12 Bills.
Reflecting on the proceedings, Radhakrishnan observed, “The floor of the House was open, but we didn’t make the fullest of the opportunity to raise the concerns of those we represent. Repeated disruptions affect the trust of the people, so we must uphold parliamentary conduct.”
Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of an alleged ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ceremony held at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground after the Congress president addressed a rally there on August 8.
Expressing strong resentment, Kharge said the act amounted to untouchability and demanded that a case be registered against those responsible.
He also alleged that the BJP had a role in the incident. Responding to the charge, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda clarified that the BJP does not subscribe to such activities.
Condemning the incident, he said BJP National President Nitin Nabin would take the matter seriously.
“Strict action will be taken against those found responsible upon investigation,” Nadda stated, while urging the Congress not to politicise the issue.
The exchange over the Haldwani incident added to the tense atmosphere that characterised several sittings of the session. Nevertheless, the House was able to transact important legislative business, including the passage of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, before the sine-die adjournment was announced.
With the Chairman’s appeal for better parliamentary conduct still echoing in the chamber, the monsoon session of the Rajya Sabha drew to a close amid both legislative achievements and concerns over the quality of debate.
–IANS
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