New Delhi: With Parliament’s Winter Session set to begin tomorrow, political temperatures rose sharply on Sunday after an all-party meeting. During the meeting, the Opposition unitedly warned the government that the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) issue would dominate, and potentially disrupt, House proceedings.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was aimed at seeking cooperation for the smooth functioning of the short session, which spans only 15 working days. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the meeting was “positive,” but Opposition leaders emerged strongly dissatisfied, alleging the government avoided assurances on crucial matters.
Key bills likely to be tabled in Winter Session
The government shared with political parties a list of legislative business it intends to take up during the session. The agenda includes several key bills:
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Manipur GST (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 – to replace an Ordinance
Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025
National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Atomic Energy Bill, 2025
Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025
Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025
Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Health Security cum National Security Cess Bill, 2025
Opposition unites on SIR issue, warns of disruptions
The Opposition, from Congress, DMK, TMC, SP, CPI(M), to AAP, asserted that concerns over SIR and BLO (Booth Level Officers) suicides would dominate the session. They alleged that voters fear large-scale deletions from electoral rolls and accused the Election Commission of bias.
Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari said the government was “destroying parliamentary tradition” by refusing discussion on issues like national security, Delhi blasts, unemployment, farmers’ distress, economic slowdown, foreign policy lapses, and data security.
SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav warned millions of voters risk losing their names from the electoral list due to “hasty SIR implementation.” TMC MPs cautioned that without a discussion on SIR, running Parliament would be “difficult.”
NDA’s counter: No issues in Bihar SIR
JDU leader Sanjay Jha countered the Opposition, saying SIR was conducted smoothly in Bihar, voter turnout increased, and “not a single BLO died by suicide.” He demanded an investigation into why suicides are occurring in Bengal instead.
Government says SIR debate unlikely
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju said SIR falls under the Election Commission’s jurisdiction and may not be discussed, though the final decision lies with the Business Advisory Committee.
He stressed the government was only “listening” today and would consider suggestions, but urged the Opposition not to stall the session.