15-Day Winter Session Begins: Key Bills, BLO Deaths, National Security Debate

The Winter Session of Parliament started Monday and will last till December 19, covering a total of 19 days with 15 sittings scheduled during this period. The government intends to table several important bills, while opposition parties have already pointed out their areas of concern, namely, the electoral reforms, national security, and environment.

Prior to the session, an all-party meeting was organized on 20th November in Parliament with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chairperson. Approximately 50 leaders from 36 political parties, along with some Union Ministers, participated in the meeting to talk about the smooth running of the session. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju termed the meeting “productive” and guaranteed that the proposals coming from floor leaders would be communicated to both Houses’ Business Advisory Committees (BAC). He asked all the parties to follow the rules of conduct in parliament and to engage in conversation rather than disturbances.

The Lok Sabha BAC has set aside time for 13 bills, some of which are still to get the green light from the Standing Committees. Primary among the discussions are the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, which is aimed at allowing private sector involvement in civil nuclear projects; the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025; the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025; the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and changes to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, 2025.

Some more bills that are likely to be presented in Parliament include the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Amendment), the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025. Financial affairs will also be discussed, including the Supplementary Demand for Grants and the Health Cess Bill. A 10-hour debate on the 'Vande Mataram' issue is under consideration, subject to Speaker's approval.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will talk to the press at 10 am from Hans Dwar, Parliament House, on the first day of the session.

The opposition parties have put forth a very ambitious agenda. The Congress will probably be at the forefront of international policy issues, such as the US President Donald Trump's comments on India-Pakistan tensions, the China border situation and trade agreements, and, in addition, the issue of national security post the blast in Delhi on November 10.

Mamata Banerjee'soino Trinamool Congress (TMC) will challenge the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters list in West Bengal, asserting that it caused overstrain to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the inhabitants, which resulted in 41 deaths, among whom were four BLOs. TMC will apply for support to the family of the deceased and demand that a parliamentary debate take place on this matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called the SIR process “inhumane and insensitive,” bringing to light the BLOs' struggles.

There has been talk about the 131st Amendment Bill, 2025, which in that case would let Chandigarh be under Article 240 of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs said, however, that no final decision has been made, and the current administrative setup will remain in place while the consultations with the respective interests are going on.

Private Members’ Bills are to be taken up on December 5 and 19, and Private Members’ resolutions will be debated on December 12. The session is going to be characterized by fierce debates as government tries to push through its legislative agenda, while opposition raises concerns about accountability and security.