The first winter session of the 18th Lok Sabha concluded on December 20, leaving a contentious legacy as one of the least productive and most acrimonious sessions in recent history. Marked by bitter exchanges, unfulfilled legislative goals, and protests from both the government and the Opposition, the session underscored a pressing need for the restoration of parliamentary norms and constructive dialogue.
A Session Marred by Conflict
The discord reached a crescendo on the penultimate day, culminating in a physical scuffle between members of Parliament, followed by bizarre allegations and police complaints. The Opposition’s motion of no confidence against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, was rejected by the Deputy Chairman, intensifying the political friction.
Adding fuel to the fire, Home Minister Amit Shah’s reference to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar became a flashpoint. The Opposition accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misinterpreting Ambedkar’s legacy, weaponizing Shah’s remarks to launch a scathing critique. This acrimony mirrored earlier weeks when the BJP disrupted proceedings by alleging the Congress party’s connections with anti-India elements abroad.
Dismal Productivity and Legislative Stalemate
The session’s productivity painted a grim picture. The Rajya Sabha functioned for only 40% of its scheduled time, clocking just 43 hours and 27 minutes. The Lok Sabha fared marginally better at 54.5% productivity. Both Houses were frequently disrupted over issues such as U.S. billionaire George Soros’s alleged meddling in Indian politics and concerns about the Adani Group.
Out of the 16 legislative bills planned, only one—the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, crucial for the civil aviation sector—was successfully passed by both Houses. The Rajya Sabha also approved the Boilers Bill and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, bringing essential changes to industrial laws concerning large furnaces, boilers, and the petroleum sector.
The Lok Sabha passed several bills, including:
- Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill: Addressing the need to safeguard the public sector banking system.
- Railways (Amendment) Bill: Focusing on the safety of passengers and railway employees.
- Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill: Advocating for greater transparency in fund allocation for states affected by natural disasters.
Two significant constitutional amendments—the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill—were introduced and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. These aim to facilitate simultaneous elections across the country, a critical element in India’s evolving electoral landscape.
India-China Relations Take Center Stage
Amidst the legislative impasse, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed both Houses on the status of India-China relations. His statements highlighted the government’s diplomatic stance and ongoing efforts to safeguard national interests, a rare moment of focus in an otherwise fractious session.
A Call for Parliamentary Decorum
The winter session starkly demonstrated the erosion of decorum and dialogue in parliamentary proceedings. The heated exchanges and lack of productive debates underscore an urgent need for political leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisan gains. The onus lies on all stakeholders to revive the spirit of constructive discourse and ensure that Parliament functions as a forum for addressing the aspirations of India’s citizens.
As India grapples with pressing economic, social, and geopolitical challenges, the efficiency and integrity of its legislative processes cannot be overstated. The events of this winter session should serve as a clarion call for introspection and reform.
