The Winter Session of Parliament is set to begin today, with the Opposition preparing to challenge the government on issues ranging from the US indictment of Gautam Adani to the unrest in Manipur. Floor leaders of Opposition parties are expected to meet soon to finalise their strategy ahead of the session’s start.

The BJP-led government, riding high after the Mahayuti alliance’s sweeping victory in Maharashtra, plans to advance key legislative business. Among the priorities is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. A total of 16 bills have been listed for consideration during the session, scheduled to run until December 20.

Key items on the agenda include:

  • The First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25.
  • The Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill, to raise the monetary appellate jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
  • The Merchant Shipping Bill, designed to align India with international maritime treaties.
  • The Coastal Shipping Bill and the Indian Ports Bill.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has appealed for cooperation from all political parties to ensure smooth proceedings. He stated that the Business Advisory Committees of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha would finalise the schedule in consultation with the Speakers.

The Congress has lined up several issues to raise during the session, including allegations of bribery against the Adani Group, the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, rising air pollution in North India, and recent train accidents. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has called for the Adani matter to be addressed first, citing allegations of Rs 2,300 crore in bribes paid by the group for favourable solar energy deals—a charge the Adani Group has denied.

The government aims to fast-track the Waqf (Amendment) Bill despite opposition members demanding more time to finalise the report. Other bills on the docket include legislation to streamline maritime compliance and enhance judicial efficiency.

As Parliament prepares to convene today, the session is expected to kick off with intense debates as the Opposition seeks to hold the government accountable on key issues.