Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media on Monday ahead of the winter session of Parliament, expressing hope for a productive session filled with constructive debates and meaningful discussions. However, the opening day saw significant disruptions as opposition parties raised demands for immediate debates on pressing issues, including the Adani bribery case and the violence in Manipur.
The protests forced the adjournment of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha within minutes of convening. Proceedings are now scheduled to resume on Wednesday, November 27.
Opposition Protests and the Adani Controversy
The Adani bribery case has become a contentious issue as Parliament reconvenes. Last week, US prosecutors charged Gautam Adani, one of the world’s richest individuals, and seven others in a $265 million fraud scheme. The indictment alleges that they bribed Indian government officials to secure power-supply contracts.
The Adani Group has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.” Nevertheless, opposition parties have seized the issue, demanding a full discussion in Parliament.
Prime Minister Modi, however, criticized the opposition’s approach, accusing them of prioritizing disruption over dialogue. “Those repeatedly rejected by the people disrespect Parliament and democracy,” he said during his remarks to the media.
PM Modi’s Sharp Criticism of the Opposition
In his speech, the Prime Minister launched a scathing critique of Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of using Parliament as a stage for political theatrics. “Some people, driven by their selfish political interests, are trying to control Parliament with the hooliganism of a handful,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks also referenced the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition secured a sweeping victory. Winning 235 of the 288 seats, the coalition reduced the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to just 49 seats.
“The public observes such behavior closely and delivers justice when the time comes,” Modi added, emphasizing that the opposition’s tactics would not resonate with voters.
He further accused the opposition of undermining democratic processes, stating, “Those who have been rejected by the people 80-90 times refuse to allow discussions in Parliament. They neither respect the spirit of democracy nor understand the aspirations of the people. This lack of responsibility prevents them from meeting public expectations.”
The Prime Minister urged MPs to focus on meaningful debates, stressing that Parliament is a platform to address national challenges and aspirations.
Celebrating 75 Years of the Constitution
This winter session carries special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. PM Modi highlighted the importance of this milestone, calling it an opportunity to reflect on the principles that have guided India’s democracy.
“This session is special as we celebrate the 75th year of our Constitution. Tomorrow, in the Samvidhan Sadan, we will commemorate this historic milestone,” he said.
Modi urged all parliamentarians to honor the Constitution by upholding democratic values and ensuring constructive discussions. The Prime Minister also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a video of his remarks, writing, “I hope this session is productive and filled with constructive debates and discussions.”
Key Legislative Priorities for the Session
Amid the political turmoil, the government has laid out an ambitious legislative agenda for the session, which will run until December 20. One of the most anticipated bills is the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. This legislation aims to synchronize national and state elections, a move that PM Modi believes could streamline governance and reduce election-related expenditures.
Several other significant bills are also set to be tabled, including:
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Proposing changes to the governance of Waqf properties.
- The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill: Aiming to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness and response systems.
- The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill: Seeking reforms to improve efficiency in the banking sector.
- The Railway Act (Amendment) Bill: Focused on modernizing railway operations and infrastructure.
These legislative priorities reflect the government’s focus on structural reforms and long-term development. However, the opposition’s resistance may challenge the smooth passage of these bills.
A Session Fraught with Challenges
The disruptions on the opening day highlight the challenges the Modi government will face in advancing its legislative agenda during this winter session. Opposition parties remain adamant about their demands for discussions on controversial issues, including the Adani bribery allegations and the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
Despite the tensions, the session offers an opportunity for meaningful collaboration. PM Modi’s call for “constructive debates” underscores the need for all political parties to prioritize national interests over partisan divisions.
As the country approaches 2025, the decisions made during this session will play a crucial role in shaping India’s political, economic, and social landscape. Whether Parliament can rise above its differences to address the pressing challenges of the day remains to be seen.