Parliament Monsoon Session Day 18 LIVE: Rijiju says can extend session if Congress agrees for discussion on students' protests; LS adjourned for the day

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) adopted the motion to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The Bill proposes tighter government oversight of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign funding in the country.

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026. 

MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai highlighted that the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution in 2024 urging the Centre to bring a law to change the name of the state to Keralam.

The Union Government has introduced the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Parliament to honour the State’s request, Mr. Rai said.

On Samik Bhattacharya’s request to rename West Bengal to Pashchim Bongo, Mr. Rai said that if West Bengal also passes a resolution to rename the State’s name, the Centre will bring in a Bill for the same. 

BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, while speaking in support of changing Kerala’s name to Keralam, urged the government to change West Bengal’s name to Pashchim Bongo. 

Highlighting the colonialism behind West Bengal’s name, Mr. Bhattacharya said the name was given to us by the Britishers to divide between India and Pakistan. 

The MP also urged to change the name of Bakhtiyarpur station. Bakhtiyarpur station is based on Bakhtiyar Khilji, who destroyed the Nalanda University.

RLM MP Upendra Kushwaha, speaking support of changing Kerala’s name to Keralam said that name changes are important and in good faith. 

Mr. Kushwaha even urged the Centre to change Patna’s name to Patliputra given Bihar’s history. 

‘At some point, Bihar’s history was India’s history’, Mr. Kushwaha said.

The Modi government has decided to change Kerala’s name to Keralam after demands by the States’ people, MPs and MLAs, MoS Ramdas Athawale said, in support of the Bill.

He also exuded confidence that BJP will form a government in Kerala soon. 

“Instead of writing letters to the Speaker, what prevents the Home Minister from coming to the House?” Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran questions.

Mr. Premachandran says that Mr. Shah writing letters to the Speaker instead of attending the Parliament Session indicates that ‘he does not have any faith in this Parliament and this democratic system’.

“If a name change can erase the signs of slavery. If a name change can restore our glory, that is the motto of this bill to change Kerala to Keralam,” BJP’s Tarun Chugh said in support of the Bill.

He urged the Upper House to pass the bill and leave signs of slavery behind and create a powerful India. 

Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Nagnath Waghmare spoke in support of changing the State’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, the name used in the Malayalam language.

‘Name is the first identity of any person or place. Changing a name is a symbol of our cultural freedom. Renaming Kerala to Keralam is a way to honour the Malayalam language’, Ms. Waghmare said. 

Rajya Sabha MPs, including DMK’s Tiruchi Shiva to DMK’s Derek O’Brien and AAP’s Sanjay Singh, spoke in support of changing the State’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, the name used in the Malayalam language.

“It is good that you are taking initiative to change the name, but it’s time to change the kind of work too now,” Mr. Singh said in the House.

Kerala to ‘Keralam’: Union Cabinet approves changing name of state

Union Cabinet approves Kerala’s name change to Keralam, following a unanimous Assembly resolution advocating for the shift.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking to reporters after the Lok Sabha adjournment, said the Parliament session can be extended if the Congress agrees for a discussion on the NETE-related student protests.

“Tomorrow is the last day of the session, and we have appealed to them even today. I am saying this with a very heavy and saddened heart: I am really frustrated that the Opposition is running away from debates in Parliament. It is unthinkable and incomprehensible that, in a parliamentary democracy, the Opposition is running away from debate while the government is insisting on a full-fledged discussion and is also ready to respond,” he said.

Rajya Sabha Vice-Chairperson Sasmit Patra urged Mmebers of the House to stick to the general principles of the discussion on the Bill.

“Irrelavent points and repetition of arguments should be avoided. These guidelines are provided under Rule 110, 124 and 240 of the Rules of Procedures. Anything said in violation of the rules shall not form part of the record,” he said, conveying direction from the Chair in Rajya Sabha during discussion on The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.

“The government, and particularly the Home Minister, are trying to spread an illusion that there was no discussion inside the House on education, at Jantar Mantar, or regarding the student movement. I want to remind them that when the bill on paper leaks was introduced, there was a detailed discussion for two days. Rahul Gandhi participated in that two-day discussion, the opposition participated, and several BJP leaders also participated. Why was Amit Shah absent during that two-day discussion?… The Union Home Minister doesn’t want to give a statement,” Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said after the House was adjourned for the day.

Nityanand Rai moved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which seeks to change the State’s name to Keralam for consideration and passage. 

The Bill was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha without any debate on Tuesday (August 11, 2026).

Following over an hour-long discussion, the Rajya Sabha passed the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, via a voice vote.

Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol replied to the discussion.

The adjournment till 11 a.m. on Thursday (August 13, 2026) came as the Opposition kept up with relentless protests even as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Home Minister Amit Shah and the government are ready to immediately start a discussion on the NEET-related students’ protests, provided the Opposition MPs maintain decorum and cooperates.

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s latest letter to Speaker Om Birla, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he is ready and so is 80% of the House to start a discussion on the students protests’ right away. He repeatedly urged the Opposition to go back to their seats, clear the Well and cooperate.

“I will get the discussion started. Government and the Home Minister is ready to answer to all your points,” Chair Jagdambika Pal stated amid continued Opposition protests.

The Lok Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 without debate. Shortly after it was introduced, the Opposition MPs poured into the Well of the House amid heavy sloganeering and protests.

Chair Jagdambika Pal proceeded to passing the Bill without debate, and reprimanded the Opposition for not willing to participate in legislative business.

Chair: Jagdambika Pal

Mr. Pal begins by telling the Opposition to maintain decorum, reiterating that if any Bill is referred to the JPC, it is a score for them.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah writes a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. 

“You are aware that the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has agreed on behalf of the government—during the Business Advisory Committee meeting—to hold a discussion in Parliament regarding the student protests concerning the NEET examination. I would also like to point out that, even prior to the Opposition’s request, the ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026’ was discussed during the current session of Parliament; yet, no Member of the Opposition expressed any views regarding the NEET examination in the House at that time. Nevertheless, the government is ready to discuss this issue again. I request you to consult with the Opposition and, based on mutual agreement, allocate as much time—whether in terms of days or hours—as you deem appropriate starting today. I intend to remain present in the House during the scheduled time to participate in the discussion on this issue and am prepared to answer all questions raised by the Opposition…” reads the letter.

ANI

Rajya Sabha continues discussion on the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Rajya Sabh MPs from Telugu Desam Party and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena speak in support of the co-operative Bill for boosting “inclusive growth”.

Amid massive Opposition furore, the Lok Sabha adopted the motion to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, proposes tighter government oversight of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign funding in the country.

Among its key provisions is the creation of a designated authority to manage and dispose of assets if an organisation loses its FCRA licence. Under the proposed law, if an FCRA certificate is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses, foreign contributions and all assets created using those contributions would vest in a government-appointed designated authority without any prior hearing or judicial determination.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says if Opposition has any objections to the Bill, they can put their views before the JPC. 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says the entire Opposition is against this Bill. “If you say this Bill does not target minority communties, which Bill have you proposed which does not?”

Mr. Rijiju challenges Mr. Yadav to show him a provision of the Bill that targets any community. “This is an attempt to mislead certain communities,” he hits out at the Opposition.

Upon the Centre proposing to move a resolution on sending the FCRA Bill to a JPC, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said the Opposition demands its withdrawal, calling it a way to target NGOs and minority organisations.

To this, Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju hits back saying the Opposition should be happy that it is being referred to the JPC, a demand they have been pressing for.

The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 11 without debate.

Kerala name change, co-operative sector bills cleared without debate as Lok Sabha deadlock continues

Lok Sabha passes two Bills amid ongoing Opposition protests demanding a statement from Amit Shah on recent student protests and issues.

Amid continued uproar, as Members rose to submite reports of standing committees, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey was heard passing remarks on the ongoing Jharkhand agitation, calling for the resignation of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi over “playing with the lives of students”.

Chair: Jagdambika Pal

Opposition MPs keep up their protests via sloganeering.

Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed with BJP MP Sushmita Dev clarifying her alleged derogatory remarks against CPM’s John Brittas.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table at the start of the day, Mr. Brittas raised the issue of him being targetted with the “lungiwala” slur by Ms. Dev.

“If he feels I need to approach him and say something, I would be more than happy to. I love the people of Kerala, northeast, Karnataka…,” she said.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda said the concerned members could meet and resolve the “misunderstanding”.

The Union government is expected to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The motion is listed in the supplementary list of business in the Lower House.

Nistula Hebbar

Also read:

Amid backlash, Centre set to refer FCRA Bill to JPC

The Centre plans to refer the controversial FCRA Amendment Bill to a JPC, facing strong Opposition demands for its withdrawal.

Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s latest statement, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said: “Tomorrow is the last day of the session. Today, he (Amit Shah) has suddenly become ready to make a statement. This means he deliberately did not allow the House to function, and now, when only one day is left, he is saying he is ready to make a statement.”

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee said: “Ask the Home Minister to come to the House and speak. I have been coming to the Parliament, but he has not been coming. After splitting parties, now that you (Union Home Minister) are not coming to Parliament shows that you are rattled. Why is he communicating through the media? He can communicate directly.”

Amid continued disruption of the ongoing Monsoon Session, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) said he is ready to answer any question in Parliament and that the government is willing to take up a detailed discussion on “all aspects of the students’ protests related to the NEET issue” from 3 p.m. on Wednesday to 3 p.m. on Thursday (August 13, 2026).

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Amit Shah says ready to answer any question in Parliament; Rahul Gandhi ‘not interested’

Amit Shah vows to address all questions in Parliament amid ongoing Monsoon Session disruptions and Opposition protests.

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The report of an inquiry committee which investigated allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma — against whom removal proceedings were initiated over the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash from his official residence — was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Secretary General P.C. Mody tabled the two-volume report (English and Hindi versions) along with oral and documentary evidence recorded during the course of the investigation.

The three-member probe panel had submitted its findings to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in May.

The Speaker had constituted the inquiry committee on August 12, 2025, to probe the alleged discovery of wads of cash from the judge’s Delhi bungalow.

According to the list of business of the Lok Sabha for Wednesday, the secretary general of the Lower House will “lay” the two volumes of the report along with oral evidence in the House.

-PTI

Speaking to the reporters outside the Parliament Complex, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, says, “Words like ‘missing’ and ‘fugitives’ are terms that have only recently begun to be heard in India’s public and parliamentary discourse. Ever since the Parliament session began, I have been coming regularly and sitting in my chamber. But the Opposition is not allowing Parliament to function in either House. So, what is the point of anyone going inside when the proceedings are not being allowed to run? 

He says as far as the issue of discussion is concerned, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has made it very clear that the government is ready for a discussion on all aspects of the students’ protests related to the NEET issue. The Opposition had initially demanded that time be allotted for a discussion and that the government should agree to it. 

He says, “I have also made it clear from my side that I am ready to answer any questions in Parliament. But they simply do not want the discussion to take place. Now, let the people decide who is actually running away. Even today, I say that they should submit a letter to the Speaker by 3 p.m. We are ready for all kind of discussions from 3 p.m. today until 3 p.m. tomorrow. I will remain present in the House, listen to everyone and answer every question. The government has nothing to hide. I am also ready to discuss why they do not want a discussion. The BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the NDA government under his leadership, is ready to discuss every issue. They should allow the Parliament to function.”

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned in pre-lunch session on Wednesday without transacting any business following an uproar over BJP MP Sushmita Dev’s alleged derogatory remarks against CPM’s John Brittas.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table at the start of the day, Mr. Brittas raised the issue of him being targetted with the “lungiwala” slur by Ms. Dev.

While Mr. Brittas found support in Opposition ranks, Treasury benches demanded that Ms. Dev be heard before passing any order.

Amid a ruckus, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, who ruled that he would call the concerned MPs to his chamber to discuss the issue, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.

Mr. Brittas had had earlier moved a privilege motion against Ms. Dev for addressing him as “lungiwala” during proceedings in the Upper House on Monday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday told protesting Opposition members that even if their approach and thoughts differ from the ruling front, the country wants the House to function.

He also appealed to the Opposition to allow the House to function, stressing that it was not right for them to tarnish the image of the House by holding protests and shouting slogans.

-PTI

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m. over protests from the Opposition. 

Protests erupt in Rajya Sabha. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju says multiple disruptions and protests are unbecoming of the House. 

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appeals for calm in the House. He urges the MPs to let the House function without any disruptions. 

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 p.m. over uproar from the Opposition