Opposition corners government over short session duration and security concerns
The political atmosphere in the national capital heated up on Sunday as the central government convened an all-party meeting just a day before the commencement of the Parliament Winter Session. With the session scheduled to begin on Monday, leaders from various political spectrums gathered at the Parliament House to discuss the agenda for the upcoming weeks.
While the government appealed for a productive and peaceful session, the Opposition wasted no time in voicing their grievances. The primary point of contention raised by the Congress party was the abbreviated length of the sitting. This year, the Winter Session is slated to conclude on December 19, allowing for only 15 operational sittings.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed strong dissatisfaction following the meeting. He accused the BJP-led NDA government of intentionally shortening the session to bypass critical debates, effectively "derailing" parliamentary democracy. According to Gogoi, the limited time frame undermines the tradition of thorough legislative scrutiny.
Opposition Demands and Government’s Plea
Beyond the schedule, opposition leaders highlighted several urgent issues they intend to raise on the floor. These include:
On the other side of the aisle, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged all parties to maintain decorum. Making a lighthearted reference to the weather, Rijiju expressed hope that members would keep a "cool head" during the winter season to ensure constructive debates without disruptions.
Heavy Legislative Agenda
Despite the shortened timeframe, the government has a packed legislative schedule with 14 bills ready for introduction. A key highlight is the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, which aims to open up the nuclear sector to private participation.
Other significant proposed laws include the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, designed to overhaul regulatory oversight in universities, and the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to speed up land acquisition processes. The list also includes amendments to the insolvency code and insurance laws, setting the stage for what promises to be a brief but intense showdown between the treasury benches and the Opposition.
