Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Modi Govt Accused of 'Parliament-Phobia' Over Shortened Winter Session
Lawmakers in India are preparing for a short meeting of Parliament, called the Winter Session, which will take place from December 1st to December 19th.
This means they will only have 15 days to meet and discuss important matters.
A government minister, Kiren Rijiju, announced the dates and hopes everyone will work together constructively.
However, some politicians from the opposition, like Derek O'Brien and Jairam Ramesh, are unhappy.
They say the session is starting too late and is too short compared to usual.
They believe the government is afraid to face Parliament and discuss difficult topics like jobs and how the country is run.
They feel the government might be trying to pass laws quickly without much discussion.
The minister says the session is meant to help democracy and people's wishes, while the opposition sees the short session as a sign the government doesn't have much important work or wants to avoid tough questions.
The Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled from December 1 to December 19, 2025, comprising only 15 working days.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien accused the Modi government of 'Parliament-phobia' due to the shortened session.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticized the session as 'unusually delayed and truncated,' questioning the government's motives.
Opposition claims the government is avoiding debates on key issues like unemployment and federalism.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the dates, emphasizing a desire for a constructive and meaningful session.
- Who
- TMC MP Derek O'Brien, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju
- What
- Accusations of 'Parliament-phobia' against the Modi government due to the shortened duration and delayed start of the Winter Session of Parliament.
- When
- Winter Session announced for December 1 to December 19, 2025.
- Where
- Parliament of India, New Delhi
- Why
- Opposition alleges the government is intentionally shortening the session to avoid debating critical issues like unemployment and federalism and that it signifies a fear of parliamentary scrutiny.
Government
Opposition
Timing and Duration of Session
Government
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the Winter Session will run from December 1 to December 19, 2025, expressing hope for a constructive and meaningful session.
Opposition
TMC MP Derek O'Brien and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the session as 'unusually delayed and truncated,' with only 15 working days, and accused the government of 'Parliament-phobia' or a fear of facing Parliament.
Reasons for Session Length
Government
Kiren Rijiju stated the session aims to strengthen democracy and fulfill people's aspirations.
Opposition
Opposition MPs O'Brien and Ramesh suggested the shortened session indicates the government has little legislative business, no bills to pass, or no debates to allow, and is avoiding discussing critical issues.
Key Issues for Debate
Government
Kiren Rijiju's statement focused on constructive participation and strengthening democracy.
Opposition
O'Brien highlighted concerns over unemployment and federalism as issues the government may be trying to avoid discussing.
- Session Dates
- December 1 - December 19, 2025
- Working Days
- 15
- Announced By
- Kiren Rijiju, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister
- Criticism From
- Derek O'Brien (TMC MP), Jairam Ramesh (Congress leader)
- Alleged Issues Avoided
- Unemployment, Federalism
Sources
Parliament Winter Session To Be Held From December 1-19: Kiren Rijiju
Winter Session Of Parliament To Commence From December 1, Conclude On 19
Parliament Winter Session to be held from December 1-19: Kiren Rijiju
Govt announces Parliament Winter Session dates, check schedule approved by President Droupadi Murmu
Parliament’s Winter Session from Dec 1 to 19; Govt hopes for constructive and meaningful discussions
Parliament Winter Session to run from Dec 1-19, President Murmu clears Centre’s proposal
Winter session of Parliament from Dec 1 to 19: Rijiju
Winter Session of Parliament to be held from Dec 1 to 19
Murmu approves winter session dates, Parliament to convene from 1-19 December
Winter Session of Parliament to be held from December 1 to December 19
Winter session of Parliament from Dec 1 to 19: Rijiju
15-Day Parliament Winter Session Approved- Proceedings To Begin From December 1
Parliament's winter session from Dec 1, Oppn questions duration
Govt announces 15-day Winter Session, set to be fourth shortest under Modi
‘Is it just a formality…’: Congress questions shortened Winter Session, slams Modi govt
Parliament’s winter session to begin on December 1
TMC MP O’Brien accuses Modi Govt of ‘Parliament-Phobia’ over Short Winter Session
‘As If They Are Interested’: Rijiju Hits Back At Congress For Questioning Shortened Winter Session
Kiren Rijiju Sets Winter Session 1–19 Dec, 15 Sittings
Opposition takes a dig at 'truncated' winter session, accuses Centre of undermining Parliament
"As If Congress Is Interested": Minister On "Shortened" Winter Session Charge
TMC MP O’Brien accuses Modi Govt of ‘Parliament-Phobia’
