Parliament monsoon session Day 18 LIVE: Lok Sabha adopts motion to send FCRA Bill to JPC amid Oppn. furore
The 18th day of the Parliament Monsoon Session saw heated arguments between the government and the Opposition over several important issues. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Lok Sabha voted to send the controversial Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further examination.
The decision came after strong objections from Opposition leaders, who questioned the possible impact of the proposed changes on organisations receiving foreign donations.
FCRA Bill Sent for Detailed Review
The FCRA Bill became a major point of discussion in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju supported the government’s position and defended the need for the proposed changes.
Opposition leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Akhilesh Yadav, strongly criticised the bill. They raised concerns that the proposed rules could unfairly affect certain organisations and minority groups.
After the vote, the bill was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which will examine its provisions and make recommendations before the legislative process continues.
Sending a bill to a JPC allows lawmakers from different parties to study the proposed legislation in greater detail and hear different views.
Government and Opposition Clash
Political tensions remained high throughout the day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Opposition of preventing Parliament from functioning properly. He said the government was prepared to discuss the issue of student protests related to internet policies.
Shah said the Opposition could request a formal debate by 2 p.m. on August 12 and promised to respond to questions raised during the discussion.
However, Lok Sabha Leader Rahul Gandhi rejected the offer, saying the Opposition was not interested in listening to Shah’s speech and wanted the issues to be addressed through Parliament.
Rajya Sabha Takes Up Other Issues
The Rajya Sabha also remained busy with legislative and political matters. The Upper House began discussions on a bill related to cooperative corporations.
The House also received a report concerning an investigation into Justice Yashwant Varma, who had faced allegations relating to the misuse of official funds.
The matter has attracted attention because of its connection with the judiciary and questions surrounding the conduct of a senior judge.
Rajya Sabha Proceedings Disrupted
The Rajya Sabha was also affected by heated exchanges between members.
The House was adjourned earlier after arguments over remarks reportedly made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev concerning CPM leader John Brittas.
The incident added to the disruptions that have affected parliamentary proceedings during the Monsoon Session.
Political Tensions Continue
The developments on Day 18 show the continuing differences between the government and Opposition over legislation, protests, and other political issues.
The FCRA Bill will now be examined by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, while discussions on other major issues are expected to continue in both Houses.
With several important bills and political matters still pending, the remaining days of the Monsoon Session are likely to see further debates and disagreements between the government and Opposition.