Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Rijiju Slams Kharge For Raising Dhankhar's Exit, Accuses Oppn Of Using ‘Insulting Language’ For Ex-Chairman

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Kharge Raises Dhankhar's Exit In RS, Rijiju Calls It 'Insulting'

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Kharge Slams PM Modi’s ‘Drama’ Remark; Accuses BJP Of Undermining Parliament, Ignoring Key Issues

PM Modi speaks in Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session. He welcomed V-P as Rajya Sabha chairman.

Reacting PM Modi’s drama jibe at Opposition, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the PM for consistently avoiding Parliament while simultaneously addressing the nation on the need for Opposition cooperation.

Jairam Ramesh alleged that the PM undermines parliamentary functioning by refusing to engage with the Opposition and blocking discussion on urgent public issues. He said that if the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha do not function smoothly, the responsibility lies entirely with the Prime Minister’s “stubborn refusal” to allow debate.

Accusing the PM of hypocrisy, Ramesh labelled him the “biggest dramabaaz,” arguing that blaming others for drama while suppressing Opposition voices is a clear contradiction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged opposition parties to approach the Winter Session of Parliament with responsibility, stating that electoral defeat should not become a pretext for disruption. He stressed that Parliament must remain a forum for substantive debate, adding that victory should not breed arrogance and defeat should not trigger obstruction.

Taking aim at the opposition, PM Modi remarked, “There is plenty of space for drama, those who want to perform can keep doing so. But what matters is delivery. If you have already come defeated, you have already spoken. Go and speak where you are about to face defeat.”

He said the session would reflect Parliament’s intentions for the nation and its commitment to progress. Some parties, he noted, appeared unable to accept recent electoral outcomes, with their statements revealing deep frustration.

Calling the session more than a ritual, the Prime Minister said it must “serve the nation, not the frustration of defeat”, and help drive India’s development forward.

“For some time now, our Parliament has either been used as a warm-up for elections or as a ground to vent the frustration of electoral defeat. All the anger is expressed inside the House. Some parties have created the Parliament to serve the politics of their respective states. The game they have been playing for the last ten years is not being accepted by the country,” added PM hitting out at Opposition.

BJP national president, JP Nadda briefs party whips ahead of the Parliament Winter Session.

He advised them to ensure that all members come prepared for the session and put forth their point strongly. Whips have been told to convey to the MPs they shouldn’t get worried by the opposition’s  ways to distract from the real focus.

The Winter Session is set to take up several major bills, signalling a packed legislative agenda. Among the key proposals are the Highways (Amendment) Bill, the Atomic Energy Bill, the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025. The Atomic Energy Bill is expected to attract particular scrutiny as it may, for the first time, permit private companies to establish nuclear power plants, marking a significant shift in India’s nuclear policy.

Alongside legislative business, Parliament will debate and vote on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025–26. The government also plans a full-day discussion on Vande Mataram as part of its 150th-year commemoration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will brief accredited media representatives at 10 am at Hans Dwar, Parliament House, ahead of the Sixth Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, setting the session’s agenda.

Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav warned that the Lok Sabha would not function if the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is not discussed.

He accused the process of serious wrongdoing, highlighting concerns over electoral integrity.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed the Winter Session of the 18th Lok Sabha on X, emphasising Parliament as the supreme forum for expressing the nation’s expectations, democratic values, and collective responsibility.

He urged members to uphold duty, restraint, and public welfare, reinforcing the spirit of representation. Birla expressed hope that MPs would actively participate and strengthen democratic traditions, making the session meaningful and productive.

Om Birla post on X reads, “The sixth session (Winter Session) of the 18th Lok Sabha is commencing today. Parliament is the supreme forum for the expression of the nation’s expectations, the people’s aspirations, democratic values, and the collective responsibility of elected representatives. Each session of Parliament also orients us towards the inspiration of duty, restraint, and public welfare, which deepens the spirit of people’s representation. It is hoped that all honourable members will strengthen the healthy traditions of democracy and make a meaningful contribution to making this session productive through their active participation.”

Congress leader Udit Raj criticised the government ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, claiming that crucial issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), pollution, and international relations, were being ignored.

He highlighted the shrinking parliamentary calendar, noting that sessions once ran for 140–150 days but are now reduced to around 60, often disrupted by boycotts, undermining the institution.

Addressing Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks, Raj questioned the government’s approach to SIR in Assam, accusing authorities of acting selectively and ignoring national interest. He warned that failure to discuss SIR is a threat to democracy, the Constitution, and public safety.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has submitted an Adjournment Motion under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on the deaths and human rights violations of Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) during the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She warned that excessive workload, unsafe conditions and coercive targets have already led to multiple deaths and suicides among BLOs across states.

Chowdhury further raised concern over reports of large-scale wrongful voter deletions, calling it a constitutional threat that undermines democratic participation. She urged Parliament to suspend all other business to address what she termed a growing humanitarian and electoral crisis.

The Winter Session of Parliament begins with a packed legislative agenda in the Lok Sabha. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at updating provisions of the 1944 Act.

The Finance Minister will also move the Health Security se Security Cess Bill, 2025, proposing a new cess to bolster national security and public health funding.