The Winter Parliament Session started today with a ruckus as expected. As soon as the proceedings started in the Lok Sabha, the opposition created a ruckus, and many MPs reached the well. After this, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings till 12 o’clock.
Meanwhile, the new Rajya Sabha Chairman, CP Radhakrishnan, was welcomed. The Prime Minister greeted him.
Before the winter parliament session began, PM Modi spoke to the media for 10 minutes. He said, “After the recent election defeat, the opposition has overcome the disappointment of defeat and raised strong issues in the House. If the opposition wants, I am ready to give them tips on how to perform. Furthermore, he said that this session should not become a battlefield. Because of the frustration of defeat or the arrogance of victory. The new generation should benefit from experience. It should be about delivery, not drama.
The winter parliament session will run from December 1 to December 19. There will be 15 sittings during this 19-day session. Ten new bills, including the Atomic Energy Bill, are expected to be introduced during this period.
A Look at Parliament Sessions in the Modi Era
Introduction: The Rhythm of Governance
The Parliament sessions of India are the heart and soul of its democratic framework, the periods when the nation’s elected representatives converge to legislate, deliberate, and hold the executive accountable. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these sessions—including the crucial winter Parliament session—have remained the primary battleground for policy and politics. While the fundamental structure of the sessions remains consistent with constitutional mandates, the last decade has seen distinct characteristics emerge in the frequency, intensity, and legislative output of these pivotal periods. Understanding the dynamics of a parliament session is key to grasping the trajectory of India’s governance.
The Constitutional Mandate and Annual Cycle
The Indian Constitution dictates that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two Parliament sessions. By convention, Parliament generally follows a three-session annual cycle:
- Budget Session: Typically the longest, running from late January/early February to May, primarily focused on the Union Budget presentation and discussions.
- Monsoon Session: Held around July to August/September.
- Winter Parliament Session: Usually convened in November and December.
This cycle, often referred to colloquially as the parliament season, is critical for the passage of legislation, constitutional amendments, and the discussion of issues of national importance. The winter Parliament session, in particular, serves as the final legislative push of the calendar year and is often marked by intense debate on contemporary national issues.
Key Dynamics of Parliament Sessions under Modi
The sessions during the Modi government’s tenure have been notable for their high-volume legislative agenda. The government, enjoying a robust majority in the Lok Sabha, has often prioritised the speedy passage of key bills, leading to significant legislative milestones. Examples include the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, the passage of crucial economic reforms, and the introduction of new criminal codes.
A recurring theme, however, has been the increasing frequency of disruptions. Opposition parties have consistently used various parliamentary tools, including adjournments and protests, to voice their dissent on major policy decisions and government actions. This has, at times, led to debates over the efficient utilisation of parliamentary time. When a parliament session is shortened or adjourned due to a lack of consensus, it can impact the thorough scrutiny that bills traditionally receive in the Standing Committees. Despite these challenges, the pace of legislation has remained swift.
Focus on the Winter Parliament Session (and anticipation for Parliament Season 2025)
The Winter Parliament session holds a unique significance. Coming towards the end of the year, it often addresses issues that have gained urgency in the preceding months. It is a vital period for concluding pending legislative business and for addressing the country’s economic and social landscape before the start of a new calendar year. This session serves as a crucial checkpoint before the more extensive Budget session, where the financial blueprint for the nation is laid out.
Looking ahead, anticipation builds for the next legislative cycle, specifically the parliament season 2025. Each new season brings renewed focus on the government’s mandate, its priorities, and the opposition’s strategy. Both citizens and political analysts can gain valuable insights by monitoring the debates and questions raised during the Winter Parliament session. This scrutiny also reveals the laws passed and sheds light on the country’s governance and democratic health. The legislative scorecard of the Modi government is intrinsically linked to the proceedings and outcomes of these crucial sessions.
Opposition Operations during the Modi Era
The primary role of the opposition is to act as the Accountability and Scrutiny mechanism, holding the executive responsible through debates, Question Hour, and committee work. However, the opposition’s effectiveness in this era has been significantly shaped by its numerical strength in Parliament.
- The Numerical Challenge: During much of this time, no opposition party managed to win the necessary 10% of seats. Therefore, none could officially become the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). This numerical deficit impacted their leverage in key statutory appointments and created a structural disadvantage in challenging government policy. The situation in the 18th Lok Sabha has changed. However, blocking high-priority government legislation in the Lok Sabha is still difficult.
- Declining Scrutiny: A significant concern has been the declining rate of bills being referred to Parliamentary Standing Committees. This practice affects the quality of legislation. Committees are where the opposition and experts can contribute detailed and reasoned inputs, irrespective of their numbers in the House.
Opposition’s Strategy: Disruption and Unification
Faced with a dominant treasury bench, the opposition’s strategy has evolved into a two-pronged approach:
1. Focus on Disruption and Protest
The opposition frequently disrupts and protests in the House during parliamentary sessions. They aim to highlight critical issues like national security, economic distress, and electoral reforms, such as the Special Intensive Revision.
- Impact: This strategy is highly visible, successfully highlighting issues to the national media. Critics argue that this approach significantly reduces parliamentary productivity. It enables the government to pass bills with little meaningful discussion, particularly during the busy winter session.
2. Forming a Unified Front
The Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition was formed to create a united counter-narrative. This unity is crucial to effectively challenge the ruling alliance’s legislative push and prevailing narrative during parliament.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Parliamentary Institution
The consistent convocation of the Parliament sessions demonstrates the resilience of India’s democratic process. The legislative scorecard of the Modi government is closely tied to these periods. Meanwhile, the health of the opposition is assessed by how well it fulfils its watchdog role.
The opposition’s performance is a mixed record of principled protest and institutional challenge. They have successfully highlighted critical issues nationally. However, their scrutiny is often limited by their numbers and reliance on disruptive tactics. As the nation enters the winter parliamentary session in 2025, the emphasis is on promoting constructive dialogue. It is important that this time is used for strong, quality legislative debates that benefit all citizens.