Parliament Winter Session: As the winter session of Parliament kicks off, turbulence is expected on various fronts. The Ethics Committee, which probed cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, is set to unveil its report on the first day.Meanwhile, opposition parties signal their firm opposition to several government bills, including the contentious Chief Election Commission and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Bill.Governments All-Party Meeting Sets the ToneAn all-party meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed the governments readiness for discussions but stressed the importance of following procedural norms for structured debates.Governments Legislative Agenda in SpotlightThe government has an ambitious legislative agenda, with 21 bills on the table, including proposals to replace the IPC, Indian Evidence Act, and CrPC. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, faces opposition from Congress, alleging an attempt to make the poll watchdog a total puppet of the Prime Minister.Oppositions Focus on Key IssuesThe Congress plans to raise concerns over the Ethics Committee report on Mahua Moitras allegations. Other issues on the oppositions radar include unemployment, price rise, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and objections to renaming criminal laws.Trinamool Congress Raises ConcernsTrinamool Congress leaders expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the government did not fully disclose its agenda during the all-party meeting. They urged against rushing through three criminal law amendment bills, emphasising the need for thorough deliberation.Varied Demands and ExpectationsSamajwadi Party MP Dr ST Hasan called for a discussion on communal harmony, while BSP raised the demand for a caste census. BSP chief Mayawati urged the central government to take immediate steps towards conducting a caste census, highlighting the publics strong interest in the matter.High Stakes After State Assembly PollsThe winter session follows closely on the heels of state assembly poll results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana. The outcome of these polls is expected to resonate during the session.Key Bills on the AgendaAmong the bills on the governments agenda are The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and The Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Opposition parties, however, oppose the Chief Election Commissioner Bill, raising concerns about its potential impact on the independence of the election watchdog.As Parliaments winter session unfolds, the stage is set for intense debates, contrasting perspectives, and critical legislative decisions that will shape the nations trajectory in the coming months.
