Rajya Sabha

Parliament’s Winter Session of 2025 concluded abruptly on December 19, with both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die shortly after resuming for the day. The closing moments mirrored the overall tone of the session—intense, confrontational, and dominated by political disagreement, particularly over the newly passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, or VB-G RAM G Bill.

What was expected to be a routine final sitting instead unfolded as a continuation of the unrest that had marked the previous day. Protests by Opposition members, which had extended overnight within the Parliament complex, set the backdrop for a session that ended without further legislative business.

Protests Spill Over Into the Final Day

Opposition parties remained firm in their opposition to the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a programme that has been in place for nearly two decades. The Bill’s passage earlier triggered strong reactions, with Opposition leaders accusing the government of pushing through a major policy change without sufficient consultation or scrutiny.

By the final morning, tensions had not eased. Opposition members reiterated their objections and announced plans to carry their protest beyond Parliament, signalling nationwide demonstrations. They argued that the new law weakens rural employment protections and dismantles an existing social safety net.

Rajya Sabha Session Formally Concluded

In the Rajya Sabha, Vice-President and Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan formally brought the 269th session to a close. In his concluding remarks, he described the session as productive overall, citing improved participation during Question Hour and Zero Hour.

At the same time, he expressed strong disapproval of the conduct witnessed during the previous day’s proceedings. Referring to scenes where members protested during a minister’s reply and tore documents, he said such actions were not in keeping with the dignity of the House. The Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die with the customary playing of Vande Mataram.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Continuing Protests

Soon after, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha sine die as protests continued within the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the adjournment, which effectively ended the Winter Session on a tense and unresolved note.

The scenes in the Lok Sabha reflected the sharp divide between the government and the Opposition, with the VB-G RAM G Bill remaining the central point of contention even after its passage.

Productivity Figures Despite Disruptions

Despite the political turbulence, parliamentary authorities highlighted strong productivity during the session. The Rajya Sabha recorded productivity of 121 per cent, while the Lok Sabha achieved 111 per cent. Several government Bills were introduced and passed, indicating that legislative business continued at a steady pace for much of the session.

However, the final days underscored how political disagreements can overshadow legislative achievements, particularly when major policy shifts are involved.

Political Reactions Continue After Adjournment

Reactions to the VB-G RAM G Bill remained sharp even after Parliament adjourned. Opposition leaders described the legislation as detrimental to rural workers and accused the government of undermining employment security. Some warned that public resistance could intensify and suggested that sustained pressure might force a reconsideration of the law, drawing parallels with past policy reversals.

The government, meanwhile, has maintained that the new law represents a modernised approach to rural employment, aligned with long-term development goals. These opposing narratives are expected to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks.

An Attempt to Restore Dialogue

Following the adjournment, Speaker Om Birla met leaders of various political parties in his chamber. Such meetings are a customary post-session practice, aimed at easing tensions and reopening channels of dialogue after contentious sittings.

Whether this engagement will translate into consensus remains uncertain, as the debate over rural employment reform now moves beyond Parliament and into the public domain.

A Session That Sets the Tone Ahead

As Parliament rose, the Winter Session of 2025 came to be defined by a mix of high legislative output and deep political division. The passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill ensured that the session will be remembered not just for the number of laws passed, but for the intensity of the debate surrounding one of them.

With protests expected to continue outside the House, the issues raised during the session are likely to shape political discussions well beyond the winter recess.