The year 2025 saw the Indian Parliament, comprising the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, hold three sessions with each house functioning for a total of 62 days. According to data from the non-profit research organisation PRS Legislative Research, the Lok Sabha utilised 80 per cent of its scheduled time, while the Rajya Sabha was slightly more productive at 83 per cent.
Legislative Business and Key Bills Passed
Despite the sitting days, a significant point of analysis was that less than 30 per cent of the total time was dedicated to legislative business, which encompasses the discussion and passing of bills. Nevertheless, Parliament managed to pass a total of 31 bills during the year.
The legislative agenda included some important reforms. A bill to amend regulations governing waqf properties in India was passed, aiming to streamline their management. In a move impacting the financial sector, a bill to simplify income tax laws was approved. The government also enacted a prohibition on online money games and related services.
Significant policy changes were introduced in key sectors. The nuclear energy and insurance sectors were opened for further participation. One of the most notable amendments was to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The amendment increased the employment guarantee under the scheme from 100 days to 125 days per household per year. Furthermore, the fund sharing pattern between the Centre and States was revised to 60:40, with a 90:10 ratio for North-eastern and hilly states.
Light-Hearted Moments Amid Heated Debates
Beyond the serious legislative work, the parliamentary proceedings in 2025 were also marked by several humorous and viral incidents, providing a human touch to the often intense debates between the treasury and opposition benches.
RLP MP's 'Kya Hogaya' Quip
During a heated debate in the Budget Session in February, Lok Sabha proceedings were suddenly filled with laughter thanks to RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal. As the bell rang repeatedly, signalling him to end his speech despite presiding officer Dilip Saikia's reminders, Beniwal continued. When the bell buzzed again, he humorously exclaimed, "Kya hogaya" (What happened). He further joked that since it was already late and the debate wouldn't make it to newspapers, only social media could cover it, prompting him to continue his speech amidst laughter.
Jaya Bachchan's 'Don't Control Me' Moment
In the Rajya Sabha, a debate on 'Operation Sindoor' witnessed a light-hearted exchange involving Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan. Visibly irked by interruptions from BJP MPs, Bachchan firmly stated, "Either you speak or I will speak. I will not allow this." When Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, sitting beside her, tried to calm her down, Bachchan retorted, "Priyanka, don’t control me," leading to an embarrassed laugh from Chaturvedi and amusement across the house.
Amit Shah's Historical Jibe
Union Home Minister Amit Shah blended humour with a serious historical accusation during the Monsoon Session. While discussing Operation Sindoor and targeting previous Congress governments, Shah remarked, "Nehru’s head was like me (Nehruji ka sir mere jaisa tha)," referring to both having bald heads. He then turned serious, accusing India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of abandoning Assam during the 1962 war and giving away land to China, citing a historical anecdote involving Congress leader Mahavir Prasad Tyagi.
Other Notable Incidents
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee also provided moments of amusement with his dramatic taunts. During the Winter Session, he surprised many by swapping his usual Nehru jacket for a sharp suit and red tie. In his speeches, he targeted the BJP over its stance on infiltrators, questioning the effectiveness of certain identification methods.
Another viral moment, captured on camera, showed two BJP MPs engaged in a brief but visible argument over a seat in the Lok Sabha chamber during a speech by BJP MP Tejaswi Surya, highlighting the informal tussles that sometimes occur in the background of formal proceedings.
A Year of Work and Wit
The parliamentary year 2025, therefore, presented a dual picture. On one hand, it was a period of substantive legislative activity resulting in 31 new laws, with significant changes to social security and economic policy. On the other, it reinforced that Parliament is not just a forum for debate and law-making, but also a space where the personalities and spontaneous interactions of India's elected representatives often capture the public's imagination, reminding citizens of the human element within the grand institution of democracy.
