Winter Session Opens With Immediate Confrontation
The Winter Session of Parliament commenced on Monday, December 1, 2025, under the shadow of a significant deadlock between the government and opposition parties. The session began with escalating tensions as opposition leaders united in their demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, threatening to stall proceedings if their demand remains unmet.
All-Party Meeting Fails to Break Impasse
Despite efforts during Sunday's all-party meeting attended by Union Ministers including Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and L Murgan, no consensus emerged on the debate schedule. Subsequent Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings also failed to resolve the standoff.
The opposition has outlined multiple discussion priorities including the recent Delhi blast and national security concerns, air pollution crisis, and foreign policy matters. However, the SIR debate remains their primary focus, with several MPs signaling they would not permit normal House functioning if denied this discussion.
While seeking cooperation for a smooth session, the government has so far only proposed an alternative discussion on Vande Mataram, indicating it would respond later regarding the SIR issue. The government maintains that since SIR is primarily an Election Commission-led exercise, it cannot take primary responsibility, though it has suggested broadening the discussion to encompass wider electoral reforms.
Government's Legislative Agenda: 14 Crucial Bills
Despite the political standoff, the government has prepared for a substantial legislative push during the session, listing 14 Bills for introduction or consideration. Key legislation includes:
- The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 - permitting private participation in the nuclear sector
- The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025 - aimed at comprehensive overhaul of higher education regulation
- Amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
- Revisions to the Jan Vishwas Act
- Modifications to the National Highways Act
- GST law adjustments specific to Manipur
Opposition parties have criticized the government's approach, alleging the Centre is rushing through a short session to bypass established parliamentary traditions and thorough legislative scrutiny.
Institutional Health of Parliament at Stake
The recurring gridlocks in parliamentary sessions raise concerns about the institutional health of India's parliamentary democracy. As both sides remain firm on their positions, the Winter Session faces the prospect of minimal productivity unless a compromise emerges regarding the debate on electoral roll revisions and other pressing national issues.
The session's outcome will significantly impact not only the immediate legislative agenda but also set the tone for parliamentary proceedings in the coming months, with both government and opposition positions appearing firmly entrenched as the session begins.
