The Winter Session of Parliament 2025 commenced on a stormy note, with the Lok Sabha being adjourned for the day shortly after it convened on Monday. The adjournment came amidst loud protests by Opposition members over several key issues, including the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls and concerns related to the Election Commission.
Opposition Uproar Leads to Adjournment
As soon as the House met at 11 am, members from the Opposition benches, including the Congress, raised slogans and displayed placards. They demanded a discussion on the Special Summary Revision 2025 of electoral rolls, which is currently underway with a qualifying date of January 1, 2025. The revision process, which began on December 9, 2024, and will conclude on January 8, 2025, has become a major point of contention.
Despite repeated appeals for order from Speaker Om Birla, the protests continued unabated. The Speaker urged members to allow the House to function and take up the listed business, but the pleas fell on deaf ears. With the protests creating continuous pandemonium, Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day.
Key Issues Raised by the Opposition
The Opposition's protest was not centered on a single issue but a combination of concerns. A primary focus was the electoral roll revision, with MPs questioning the process and its timing. Additionally, broader issues concerning the Election Commission of India and its functioning were also highlighted by the protesting members.
Other listed agenda items for the day were consequently sidelined. These included obituary references for former member Bapu Hari Chaure and the introduction of certain bills. The government's listed business for the session, which includes 18 bills for consideration and passage, could not be initiated due to the disruption.
Government's Stance and Other Developments
Prior to the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed the government's hope for a productive session and its readiness to discuss all issues. He mentioned that the Winter Session 2025 has 18 sittings scheduled until December 22. The government agenda is heavy, with numerous bills pending.
In a related development outside Parliament, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He raised objections regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners. Kharge argued that the government did not consult the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha for these appointments, as was done previously, calling the process a "farce." This letter further fueled the Opposition's resolve to raise the issue in Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha also witnessed similar protests but managed to function for a longer period before adjourning for the day. The Upper House paid tributes to former member Bapu Hari Chaure and saw the introduction of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2025.
Implications for the Session
The abrupt adjournment on the very first day sets a challenging tone for the Winter Session 2025. It indicates that the Opposition is prepared to aggressively pursue its demands, potentially leading to further disruptions. The government's legislative agenda, which includes important bills, now faces significant hurdles.
The core dispute revolves around electoral integrity and institutional independence. The Opposition's strategy to stall proceedings until its concerns are addressed suggests that the deadlock may continue unless a back-channel dialogue or a formal agreement for a discussion is reached. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the session will be washed out or if both sides can find a middle ground to allow parliamentary business to proceed.
