The Winter Session Shouldn’t Remain a Mere Political Ritual

 

The Winter Session of India’s Parliament is considered crucial each year because, at the end of the year, it signals the direction in which politics and policymaking may progress in the coming months. This particular session is even more significant because the central government encouraged by its recent assembly election victories is seeking to expedite the implementation of its parliamentary agenda. Meanwhile, the opposition, recovering from electoral setbacks and attempting to stay relevant on emerging issues, is trying to assert itself. Consequently, conflict, messaging, and political strategy have been evident from the very beginning of the session.

On the very first day, the opposition created a major uproar in both Houses over allegations related to SIR and vote theft. Over the years, a trend has emerged in which the opposition often relies on protests and disruptions rather than using parliamentary tools to highlight its priorities. In reality, this neither strengthens the opposition’s position nor creates meaningful pressure on the government. In a democratic system, debate is the primary means through which laws are scrutinized and the public’s concerns reach the House. Constant noise, sloganeering, and adjournments only undermine this process.

The Lok Sabha’s adjournment for the entire first day is a clear example of this failure. Ironically, the very issue the opposition claims is serious is denied debate because of its own aggressive behaviour.

Before the session began, the Prime Minister’s remarks to the media set a symbolic tone. He urged the opposition to play a constructive role and described Parliament as a platform for policymaking, not conflict. His core message was that Parliament should prioritize business over spectacle and focus on substantive debates.

This statement was a political signal. The government wants to show that its agenda is well-organized and that it needs cooperation rather than disruption to move forward. This is particularly important because several major bills and policy changes are expected in the coming months, all of which will face rigorous scrutiny.

During the welcome of the new Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of a formal farewell to the former Chairman, who resigned abruptly. While this may appear to be an emotional issue, it reflects a deeper concern about parliamentary traditions. Respect for office and adherence to procedure form the foundation of the Indian Parliament's dignity.

The failure to complete the traditional process for the departure of a top official is indeed serious, though the ruling party dismissed the concern as political frustration. This exchange shows that debates in Parliament are not driven solely by issues, but also by political sentiment and recent electoral outcomes. The ruling party tends to frame every opposition criticism as a reaction to defeat, while the opposition interprets every government remark as arrogance.

Despite the uproar, some important legislative work did take place. The passage of the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill indicates the government’s intent to address regionally sensitive issues and improve the state’s incomplete tax structure. Similarly, bills related to excise duty and national security cesses such as those linked to the Health and Family Welfare Act point to a restructuring of the government’s revenue framework.

These bills also signal the government’s plan to increase taxes on tobacco, pan masala, and other harmful products, positioning public health as a major policy driver. However, the true impact of these measures will depend on their effects on state revenues, manufacturing, and small producers.

Additionally, two major parliamentary committees received extensions to submit their reports. Whether concerning draft amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code or the Public Trust Bill, both involve extensive reforms that will shape India’s entrepreneurial environment. Yet the benefits of such reforms will only materialize if committee findings and opposition concerns are debated thoroughly.

The opposition remains an essential pillar of Indian democracy. Its role is not limited to dissent, it is responsible for holding the government accountable. However, for years the opposition has lacked clarity in its strategy. Whether in prioritizing issues, presenting effective arguments, or cornering the government, it often reacts instead of setting the agenda.

The uproar on the first day reflects this weakness. If the opposition believed the issue of SIR or electoral irregularities was serious, it should have demanded a detailed debate instead of forcing an adjournment. The floor of the House is where arguments, statistics, and pointed questions can exert pressure on the government. When there is no debate, both the questioner and the answerer lose.

For its part, the government faces the challenge of pursuing consensus politics beyond its numerical strength. While parliamentary decisions are based on majority rule, the spirit of the institution lies in dialogue and consensus. To implement major reforms, the government must engage the opposition even symbolically. Strengthening parliamentary committees, involving opposition members in drafting legislation, and issuing joint statements on key issues are practices that remain effective.

The Prime Minister’s remark that Parliament should focus on policies rather than slogans applies equally to the ruling party. For peaceful and fact-based debate, the ruling party too must avoid provocation and sharp reactions. The selection and welcome of the new Rajya Sabha Chairman will have a lasting influence on this session. The Rajya Sabha is known for rigorous, long-term debates, and the new Chairman must uphold the House’s dignity and maintain balance. Listening to the opposition’s concerns while ensuring discipline is essential. Over the past year, the personal conduct and impartiality of presiding officers have become subjects of political debate, making it even more important for the new Chairman to uphold decorum.

This three-week session includes several bills that will affect citizens' lives, the economy, and administrative structures. The key question is whether the ruling and opposition parties will treat it as a battleground for political confrontation or as an opportunity for meaningful policy dialogue. Some regional parties, such as the BJD, have already expressed support for a constructive session. Such parties often serve as mediators and play an important role in strengthening central–state relations and promoting inclusive policymaking.

Every parliamentary session is a test of democracy not only for the government but also for the opposition. The first day’s disruptions, accusations, and counter-accusations show that both sides must rethink their priorities. The public wants solutions to pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, security, economic reforms, regional disparities, and administrative efficiency.

If Parliament continues to be dominated by noise and adjournments, public trust in the parliamentary process will inevitably decline. This decline would be a collective failure of the entire political system. The expectation is that the Winter Session should not remain a mere political ritual, but rather a platform that reflects the seriousness of policymaking, constructive dialogue, and democratic maturity. The true strength of India’s democracy lies in fewer slogans and more policies, less conflict and more solutions, and less politics and more public interest. Both the ruling and opposition parties must keep this in mind.