Winter Session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Set to Resume at 11 AM After Repeated Adjournments

The Winter Session of Parliament opened on Monday with repeated adjournments, slogan-shouting, and walkouts, as the opposition mounted a coordinated push for an immediate debate on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Despite the turbulence, the government managed to introduce key legislative proposals, including fresh levies on tobacco and pan masala.

Opposition Pushes for SIR Debate, Triggers Multiple Adjournments

In the Lok Sabha, proceedings were disrupted several times — first until noon, then until 2 pm, and finally for the day — leaving barely 50 minutes of effective business. Opposition MPs demanded that the House take up the SIR issue on priority, citing widespread public objections, logistical challenges, and reported suicides of booth-level officers (BLOs) allegedly linked to excessive workload.

Kanniyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth moved an adjournment motion terming the SIR a “rushed and unplanned exercise” that had pushed the electoral system “into crisis.”

Mayawati Calls for Orderly Session, Flags BLO Stress

BSP chief Mayawati urged both Treasury and Opposition benches to allow orderly functioning of Parliament, arguing that crucial public-interest matters — notably Delhi’s air pollution and the SIR rollout — required meaningful debate. She drew attention to “practical difficulties” faced by BLOs and reports of extreme work pressure during the revision process.

Govt Introduces Bills on Tobacco and Pan Masala

Amid the uproar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced two bills aimed at preventing prices of tobacco and pan masala from dropping after the expiry of the GST compensation cess.
The legislation proposes:

• New excise duties on all tobacco products

• A Health and National Security Cess on pan masala

Cigarette duty rates are proposed in the range of ₹5,000–₹11,000 per 1,000 sticks, alongside high levies on other tobacco categories. The Manipur GST (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, was also introduced.

TDP and Congress Trade Barbs Over Responsibility for Disruptions

TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu appealed to the Opposition to participate in debates rather than stall the House, arguing that BLO training and party-level involvement had made the SIR process transparent.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, however, accused the government of stonewalling discussions. “The government does not want to have a discussion on anything. Then how will the House run?” she asked, also criticising the Prime Minister’s “enjoy the weather” remark amid hazardous pollution levels in Delhi.

Rajya Sabha: Warm Welcome for New Chairman, Followed by Walkout

The Rajya Sabha opened with a cordial welcome for Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, presiding over his first Winter Session as Chairman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his “rise from humble beginnings,” calling it an embodiment of India’s democratic spirit.

Tensions escalated when Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sought clarity on former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation and urged the Chair to ensure equal space for the Opposition. Treasury leaders, including J. P. Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, strongly objected, asserting that Radhakrishnan’s record remained beyond reproach. The Opposition later staged a walkout, again pressing for a debate on SIR.

Radhakrishnan’s Message: Stay Within the ‘Laxman Rekha’

In his maiden address, Radhakrishnan urged MPs to act as “exemplary leaders” by upholding constitutional values, fostering tolerance for differing views, and making productive use of Question Hour and Zero Hour. He reaffirmed that dialogue, deliberation, and decorum are the foundations of parliamentary democracy.

PM Modi: Parliament Is for ‘Policy, Not Drama’

Addressing the media before the session, Prime Minister Modi said Parliament is “not merely a ritual” but a platform that accelerates national progress. Applauding rising voter participation — especially among women — he said India had proven that “democracy can deliver.” He urged parties not to let electoral victories or defeats influence parliamentary behaviour and called for more space for first-time MPs.

Day 2 Outlook

With both Houses scheduled to resume Winter Session proceedings at 11 am, confrontations over SIR are expected to continue. The INDIA bloc plans demonstrations outside Parliament, while the government maintains that the issue is “under consideration” but has not committed to a timeline for discussion.

Also Read: Winter Session Opens Amid Uproar, Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 2 PM as Opposition Demands SIR Debate