On the eve of the Winter Session of Parliament, the Opposition demanded discussions on several pressing issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, and air pollution, prompting a response from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday.

The Winter Session of Parliament, set to begin on December 1, 2025, will run until December 19. Ahead of its commencement, an all-party meeting was convened to discuss the agenda, giving various political parties an opportunity to raise key issues. The Opposition, led by Congress leaders, sought the floor for deliberations on topics ranging from electoral reforms to national security, environmental concerns, farmers’ welfare, and foreign policy matters.

Opposition’s Demands

Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, said the party had requested a debate on national securityfollowing the recent blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, which heightened security concerns in the capital. The Opposition also pressed for discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the purity of the electoral list and safeguarding democratic processes.

Air pollution, a persistent public health and environmental issue affecting several urban areas, was another key demand. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted that the session would be unusually short—only 15 days—making it imperative to allocate time for discussions on urgent topics like the SIR, air quality, and public safety.

The Opposition further criticized the government for allegedly sidelining parliamentary debate. Gogoi claimed that the ruling BJP-led NDA sought to “finish off democracy, derail Parliament, and bury parliamentary traditions.” He argued that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah appeared to prioritize political narratives over substantive legislative discussion.

Gogoi also raised concerns over India’s foreign policy, claiming that decisions on international relations, such as energy purchases and defense investments, were being influenced by external actors. He stressed the need for Parliament to discuss these decisions in a transparent manner.

Minister Rijiju’s Response

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the Opposition’s concerns would be addressed during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings scheduled for Sunday evening. The BAC, which includes members from both the ruling and opposition parties and is chaired by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Vice President of India in the Rajya Sabha, is responsible for recommending the time allocation for debates in the Houses.

Rijiju stated, “It will be discussed at the Business Advisory Committee meetings this evening. All parties have given good suggestions and we have taken them positively.” He emphasized the importance of a constructive session, noting that the winter session’s success depends on working with a cool head and avoiding heated debates.

Ahead of the all-party meeting, Rijiju had appealed for a smooth session, urging lawmakers to focus on debate rather than disruption. “There will be a debate in Parliament, and I hope there will be no disruptions. If we work with a cool head, it’ll be beneficial for the country, and the Parliament session will run smoothly,” he said.

Concerns About Short Session

Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the upcoming 15-day session would likely be the shortest in parliamentary history, making the Opposition’s request for substantial discussions even more pressing. He described the session’s planning as a formality unless enough time was allocated for debates on urgent issues like the SIR, air pollution, and national security.

The Congress leadership stressed the importance of Parliament functioning as a “temple of democracy”, not merely as a platform to promote the ruling party’s agenda. Gogoi emphasized that the Opposition is united in demanding meaningful discussions and ensuring that critical issues receive attention during the session.

Key Issues for Debate

1. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls: The Opposition wants Parliament to address delays and procedural challenges in the ongoing SIR exercise. The drive aims to update voter lists in 12 states and union territories ahead of upcoming elections. Ensuring the accuracy and transparency of voter rolls has been a central concern for opposition parties.
2. National Security Post-Delhi Blast: Following the recent explosion near the Red Fort, the Opposition has called for a debate on national security preparedness, law enforcement response, and steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3. Air Pollution: Persistent air quality issues in Delhi and other urban centers have prompted the demand for parliamentary discussion. The Opposition seeks detailed deliberation on policy measures, monitoring, and mitigation strategies to combat pollution.
4. Farmers’ Issues: Agricultural policies, crop pricing, and welfare programs for farmers are expected to feature in the discussions, reflecting ongoing demands from the agrarian sector.
5. Foreign Policy Concerns: India’s engagement in international trade, defense procurement, and energy deals, including purchases from countries like Russia, have also been highlighted as topics requiring scrutiny and parliamentary oversight.

Outlook for the Winter Session

The winter session is expected to see a balance between legislative business and debates on critical issues. While the Opposition seeks to leverage the short session to highlight concerns over democracy, security, and public welfare, the government aims to maintain order and ensure that legislative priorities are addressed efficiently.

With discussions scheduled in the BAC and Rijiju’s assurance that all suggestions have been noted, Parliament is likely to allocate time to the Opposition’s demands. How these discussions unfold could set the tone for the 2025-26 legislative year, shaping debates on electoral reforms, governance, and national policy priorities.

In conclusion, the eve of the winter session reflects the dynamic interplay between the ruling party and the Opposition, with both sides seeking to assert influence over the parliamentary agenda. The SIR, Delhi blast, and air pollution issues are set to be key talking points, with Rijiju emphasizing cooperation and decorum as essential for a productive session.