The Winter Session of Parliament saw major disruptions as the Opposition protested electoral roll revisions, stalling key government bills, including the Central Excise Amendment Bill and Manipur GST legislation. Chaotic scenes, walkouts, and demands for debates overshadowed crucial national reforms.
The Winter Session of Parliament on Tuesday witnessed a fresh wave of turmoil as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned repeatedly following intense protests from the Opposition benches. For the second consecutive day, parliamentary business remained paralysed as Opposition MPs escalated their agitation over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing the government of avoiding transparent discussion on the matter.
The disruption began even before the Houses convened at 11 a.m., with placard-bearing Opposition members gathering outside the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament. Their demands centred on the immediate suspension of business to allow a detailed debate under Rule 267 on alleged irregularities and transparency issues linked to the SIR exercise.
Lok Sabha Proceedings Hit by Repeated Interruptions
Despite the uproar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at restructuring levies on so-called “sin goods,” including tobacco and pan masala. The Bill is positioned as a key fiscal reform that could potentially streamline revenue collection and plug tax leakages, especially in high-risk industries.
However, the intended legislative focus quickly shifted as Opposition members intensified their protests. Shouting slogans and waving placards, they demanded clarity on the government’s handling of the electoral revisions. The ruckus forced multiple adjournments, denying MPs the opportunity to engage in substantive debate on the proposed tax reforms.
Parliamentary observers note that the Central Excise Amendment Bill forms part of a broader attempt to rationalize indirect taxes. Yet, the continued stalemate left its fate uncertain, with legislative priorities overshadowed by political confrontation.
Rajya Sabha Returns Manipur GST Bill Amid Turmoil
The Rajya Sabha, too, struggled to maintain order. Earlier in the day, the Upper House returned the Manipur GST Amendment Bill to the Lok Sabha. The Bill, passed in the Lower House on Monday, seeks to replace an Ordinance issued to implement critical tax reforms in Manipur. Since the state is currently under President’s rule, legislative amendments require parliamentary approval.
But similar to the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha was engulfed in protests. Opposition MPs stormed the Well of the House, pressing for a definite timeline for discussion on electoral roll revisions. After repeated warnings from the Chair went unheeded, the noisy protests culminated in a walkout, further deepening the legislative impasse.
Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan rejected at least 20 notices under Rule 267, citing procedural inadequacies. He underlined that the repeated use of Rule 267 by the Opposition had turned into a deliberate strategy to stall normal functioning.
Leaders of the treasury benches argued that Rule 176, which allows short-duration discussions without halting the day’s agenda, was a more appropriate mechanism. However, these assurances failed to pacify the protesting MPs.
Government Leaders Assure Willingness for Discussion
Despite the chaos, senior ruling alliance leaders—including J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju—were seen in discussions with Opposition leaders, expressing willingness to hold a debate on electoral reforms at a more suitable time. But Opposition members accused the government of evading accountability and continued pressing for immediate action.
The prolonged confrontation has not only stalled significant legislative matters but also disappointed citizens who expected progress on important sectors like taxation, national security, and governance reforms.
Surveillance Concerns Trigger Fresh Controversy
Adding to the turbulence, a report claiming that the Telecom Ministry had directed mandatory use of its Sanchar Saathi mobile application ignited concerns about possible state surveillance. The issue sparked intense debate both inside and outside Parliament.
Addressing the media, Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app was completely voluntary. Designed to help citizens safeguard against mobile fraud, SIM misuse, and device theft, the Sanchar Saathi platform was never intended to be mandatory. Scindia urged the public not to fall for misinformation about surveillance.
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As Parliament adjourned for the day, the Winter Session appeared increasingly unproductive. With essential bills pending and political temperatures rising, the conflict between the government and the Opposition shows no sign of easing. Analysts warn that continued disruption could derail key reforms and undermine public trust in parliamentary processes.
