The second day of the Parliament Winter Session commenced on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with the Opposition alliance continuing its firm protest, demanding a structured discussion on key issues including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the recent Delhi blast. The session, which began on Monday amid heightened political tensions, saw the Lok Sabha proceedings washed out on the opening day as the stalemate persisted.
Government and Opposition in a Standoff Over Debate Format
Despite the initial disruption, there were indications of a potential thaw as both the government and the Opposition dialled down their rhetoric. Sources indicated that senior Cabinet ministers held multiple rounds of discussions, including a crucial meeting in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's room in Parliament House, to finalise the format for debates in the coming days.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated the government's stance, stating it was not averse to discussing the SIR or broader electoral reforms. However, he urged the Opposition not to insist on setting a rigid timeline for such discussions, emphasising the need for flexibility in parliamentary proceedings.
PM Modi's "Drama" Jibe and Kharge's Sharp Retort
The political discourse turned sharply critical on Monday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Opposition. He accused them of using Parliament either as a "warm-up arena" for elections or "as an outlet to vent frustration after defeat." He asserted that the House should be a place for "delivery, not drama" and for "neeti (policy), not naare (slogans)."
Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, hit back swiftly. He accused the Prime Minister of indulging in "dramebaazi" instead of addressing the substantive issues before Parliament. Kharge charged that the government has been "continuously trampling upon Parliamentary decorum and the Parliamentary system for the past 11 years." He called on the BJP to end what he termed a "drama of distraction" and engage in a sincere debate on the real issues concerning the public, which also include air pollution and foreign policy.
Key Issues on the Opposition's Agenda
The Opposition's united demand for discussion spans several critical areas:
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls: The primary point of contention, raising questions about the process and its timing.
- Recent Delhi Blast and National Security: Seeking clarity and accountability in the context of internal security.
- Air Pollution: The pressing environmental crisis affecting northern India.
- Foreign Policy: Likely referencing ongoing global diplomatic situations.
As Day 2 unfolds, all eyes are on whether the back-channel talks between the government and the Opposition will yield a consensus, allowing for productive legislative business to resume, or if the protests will continue to dominate the session.
