Parliament's monsoon session must focus on debate, not disruption

The monsoon session of Parliament kicked off Monday with the familiar rhythm of protests and adjournments, little legislative work accomplished. Several bills are on the agenda: amendments to foreign contribution regulations, a replacement ordinance restoring a tax exemption for foreign institutional investors, a bill to expand the Supreme Court bench, and another criminalizing disruption during the national song.

Opposition scrutiny is expected. Hot-button issues like exam-paper leaks, ethanol blending policy, electoral roll revisions, and temple donation theft allegations could drive the decibel levels. Still, the ruling coalition's strength has grown after a series of defections, giving it more legislative heft though not the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.