Parliament Winter Session: Oppn flags key issues at all-party meet, criticises short duration
New Delhi, Nov 30 – An all‑party meeting was held in Delhi on Sunday in preparation for Parliament’s upcoming Winter Session. Leaders from the opposition raised a broad range of issues, from revisions to the electoral roll and the recent blast in Delhi to unemployment, inflation, federalism and state‑level law‑and‑order matters.
The gathering was convened by the government to help the two houses run smoothly, and it took place a day before Parliament is due to convene on Monday.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas said the opposition stood together on key points that need to be tackled during the session. Speaking to LatestNewsX, he highlighted concerns such as SIR, the Delhi blast, pollution, federal issues, labour courts, and other matters, stressing that all opposition parties agree these issues must be discussed. Brittas added that the responsibility for keeping Parliament functioning well lies with the government; if proceedings are disrupted, it is their fault. He urged the ruling party to act with reciprocity and to give the opposition the respect it deserves.
BJD leader Sasmit Patra, acting on instructions from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said his party would bring up pressing issues for the state. He listed inflation and unemployment as major worries and pushed for Odisha to receive Special Category State status. Patra warned that law‑and‑order conditions in Odisha are worsening, with rising crimes against women and children, and pointed to electoral irregularities observed in the recent Nuapada by‑elections. He promised that many state‑development concerns would be taken up in Parliament.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of undermining parliamentary norms by shortening the session and delaying its start. He asserted that under Home Minister’s leadership, there appears to be an attempt to erode India’s democratic processes and the dignity of its parliamentary traditions. Gogoi noted that the Winter Session will last only 19 days, with discussions confined to 15 days, making it possibly the shortest such session on record. He also criticized the delay in convening, suggesting it signals the government’s intent to derail parliamentary proceedings.
All‑party meetings are a customary pre‑session exercise intended to build consensus, air concerns, and ensure the smooth conduct of business. This particular meeting is expected to set the stage for a series of new bills, with both ruling and opposition sides ready to push their legislative priorities.
As Parliament opens on Monday, the government will face a united opposition demanding timely debate on national security, electoral processes, economic challenges and federal issues, promising an intense parliamentary season ahead. The Winter Session, scheduled from 2 December to 19 December, will offer only 15 sittings—unusually short compared with the typical 20 sittings in past sessions—and has prompted criticism that the government is curtailing debate and scrutiny.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
