New Delhi: The Winter Session of Parliament commenced today, but both houses faced early disruptions. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as Opposition MPs persisted in their demand for a discussion on the Adani issue. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon after Speaker Om Birla read out obituary references, with members observing a moment of silence to honour departed souls.
PM Modi’s Address on Day 1: With the four-week Winter Session of Parliament beginning today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking ahead of the commencement, took a dig at the Opposition parties, saying that those rejected by the people during elections try to disrupt proceedings of the House as well. “Those rejected 80-90 times by people do not allow discussions in Parliament. They do not understand people’s aspirations. I hope new members from every party get a chance in the Winter Session of Parliament to share their ideas,” the Prime Minister said.
Agendas and Bills that are likely to be presented: The BJP-led Centre, which is upbeat following the Mahayuti alliance’s great show in Maharashtra, will be looking to push through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is under the consideration of a Joint Committee of Parliament. Besides that, it has listed 16 more Bills for the Session. Meanwhile, The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will see discussion and voting on the First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25; the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill to enhance the pecuniary (defined as the monetary value of a case) appellate jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from the existing Rs 3 lakh to Rs 20 lakh; Merchant Shipping Bill that seeks to ensure compliance with India’s obligation under maritime treaties to which New Delhi is a party; the Coastal Shipping Bill; and the Indian Ports Bill.