The Congress parliamentary strategy group met on 16 July 2026 to outline its agenda for the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. The meeting, chaired by Sonia Gandhi, highlighted several issues – from the alleged Ram Temple donation theft to the revival of the delimitation Bill and the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. The party also pledged to oppose other bills that could affect governance and social welfare.
Key Developments
- Congress will strongly oppose any attempt to re‑introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill that seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha and start a fresh delimitation exercise.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging an all‑party meeting before any revised version of the bill is tabled.
- The party will hold the government accountable for the alleged Ram Temple donation theft, paper leaks, systemic corruption in education, inflation, and alleged violations of SC/ST/OBC/minority rights.
- Congress will also oppose the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act amendment, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, and changes to the National Food Security Act.
Important Facts
The opposition’s stance is anchored in three facts:
- The delimitation Bill failed to secure the required two‑thirds majority in the Lok Sabha in April 2026.
- Congress claims the government is attempting to revive the bill by “cunningly” splitting parties, a move described as an insult to the Constitution.
- The INDIA alliance will meet on 20 July 2026 to finalise a joint strategy for the session.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these developments is crucial for GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑3 (Governance & Welfare):
- Constitutional amendments and the process of passing a two‑thirds majority illustrate the checks and balances in the Indian legislative system.
- Delimitation impacts representation, electoral politics, and federal balance – core topics in Indian polity.
- Issues like the Ram Temple donation theft and alleged violations of SC/ST/OBC rights tie into social justice and constitutional safeguards.
- Amendments to the FCRA and the National Food Security Act are directly linked to governance, welfare, and security concerns.
Way Forward
The monsoon session is likely to see vigorous debates. Congress has signalled that it will:
- Demand an all‑party discussion on any revised Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill.
- Coordinate with other opposition parties through the INDIA alliance to present a united front.
- Raise accountability questions on the alleged Ram Temple donation theft and other governance lapses.
Students should track the outcomes of these debates, as they illustrate the dynamics of coalition politics, constitutional processes, and policy‑making in India.