PM Modi calls for delivery over drama amidst opposition protests
New Delhi: The legislative corridors of New Delhi buzzed with activity on Monday morning as the much-anticipated Parliament Winter Session 2025 commenced. While the government aimed to set a constructive tone focusing on legislative business and national progress, the Opposition made it clear that they intended to corner the ruling dispensation on critical issues, primarily the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
PM Modi’s Message: Delivery Over Drama
Before the proceedings began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media outside Parliament House, setting a distinct agenda for the session. In a pointed message to political rivals, the Prime Minister urged Members of Parliament to rise above the "frustration of defeat." He emphasised that the House is a platform for policy and delivery, not for theatrical protests.
"The world is watching India. We have proven that democracy can deliver," PM Modi stated, highlighting the resilience of the Indian economy alongside its democratic institutions. He made a special appeal on behalf of first-time and younger MPs, noting that they often feel stifled when disruptions prevent them from raising constituency-specific issues. "This is not the place for slogans; we must focus on policy," he asserted, hoping for a productive session that contributes to India's development trajectory.
A New Chapter in the Rajya Sabha
The session also marked a significant transition in the Upper House. Prime Minister Modi formally welcomed CP Radhakrishnan, the Vice President of India, as he took the chair of the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Praising the new Chairman’s roots in a humble farming family and his lifelong dedication to social service, PM Modi expressed confidence that the dignity of the House would be upheld under Radhakrishnan's guidance. The Prime Minister assured the Chairman of the members' cooperation in maintaining decorum.
The SIR Flashpoint and Opposition Strategy
Despite the Prime Minister's call for cooperation, the political atmosphere remained charged. The INDIA bloc, led by heavyweights like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, held strategic meetings to consolidate their stance. The primary bone of contention is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition leaders have labelled the SIR exercise as an "attack on democracy." Congress MPs, including Manickam Tagore and Renuka Chowdhury, moved adjournment motions demanding the immediate suspension of the exercise across 12 states and Union Territories. Their allegations are serious; they claim the process has led to the arbitrary deletion of voters and has caused immense stress to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), purportedly resulting in several deaths and human rights violations. Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad went as far as to term the issue a "threat to the Constitution."
Beyond the electoral rolls, the Opposition has prepared a laundry list of grievances to air during the Parliament Winter Session 2025. These include the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi, recent security lapses highlighted by the Red Fort blast, and questions regarding India’s foreign policy direction.
Legislative Agenda on the Table
Amidst the looming standoff, the government has listed a heavy legislative agenda. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce key bills, including the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill.
Other significant proposed legislations include the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill. The government maintains that the House is ready to discuss all issues if established rules are followed, with Parliamentary Affairs leaders urging the Opposition to allow the bills to be tabled.
Early Adjournment
Reflecting the friction between the government's agenda and the Opposition's demands, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon shortly after the session began. As the Winter Session progresses, the clash between the government’s push for passing bills and the Opposition’s demand for accountability on the SIR issue is expected to intensify.
