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Parliament Winter Session 2025 begins today, setting the stage for an intense political confrontation as the Opposition prepares to corner the government on crucial issues. The two topics set to dominate the floor are the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the persistent crisis of Delhi’s severe air pollution.While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has appealed for adherence to rules and procedures, stressing the government’s readiness to debate, the Opposition remains determined to force discussions. Beyond the political sparring, the government has a packed legislative agenda, including several key economic and educational reform bills. This article provides a clear look at the issues, the legislative focus, and the significance of this crucial session for India’s democratic process.
Winter Session 2025: What Starts Today
The Winter Session of Parliament begins today with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha meeting amid expectations of a stormy start. The sitting schedule is shorter than usual, so every day’s proceedings will be crucial for clearing bills and holding debates.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said the government wants the House to function smoothly and is prepared to take up issues raised by the Opposition under established rules and procedures.
Govt Signals Openness, Cites “Parliament Belongs to Everyone”
After the all‑party meeting, Rijiju said the Centre is “fully prepared” to listen to the Opposition and discuss their concerns. He underlined that Parliament belongs to the entire country, not to any single party, and that there is a defined method and convention for raising every issue inside the House.
He also indicated that the Business Advisory Committee will decide how and when specific debates, including on SIR, can be scheduled.
Opposition Plan: SIR, Delhi Pollution and More
Opposition parties have made it clear they will push hard for a full discussion on the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They allege irregularities in the exercise and have flagged reports of stress and deaths among officials involved in the process as reasons Parliament must address it.
Beyond SIR, the Opposition is also expected to raise:
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Delhi’s hazardous air pollution and its health impact.
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Recent security concerns, including the blast near Red Fort.
Several leaders have warned of disruption if the government refuses a structured debate on these topics, although no party has officially said it will block all business.
Why This Session Matters
This Winter Session comes after repeated gridlocks in previous sittings, where shouting matches and adjournments cut into debate time and damaged Parliament’s image. With only about 15 working days available, every disruption reduces space for meaningful scrutiny of legislation and oversight of the executive.
The government has circulated a list of bills and discussion items, and says it wants “calm, productive discussions” rather than chaos. Opposition parties, meanwhile, argue that tough questions on SIR, pollution, and security are essential to protect democracy and public interest.
What to Watch For Next
Key things to track as the session unfolds:
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Whether the government agrees to a time‑bound, structured debate on SIR.
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How far the Opposition goes in using walkouts or protests if its demands are not met.
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Progress on the government’s listed bills within a compressed calendar.