‘Is it just a formality…’: Congress questions shortened Winter Session, slams Modi govt

The Opposition on Saturday questioned the Narendra Modi government on the delay in calling the Winter Session of Parliament. Hours after the Centre announced the dates for the Winter Session, Congress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh expressed his surprise over the delay in the announcement as well as the shortened duration of the session compared to earlier occasions.

Ramesh asked if the government was running away from something or it was treating the Parliament Winter Session as a mere formality. He even suggested that such short sessions are normally called just before the Lok Sabha elections.

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“I was very surprised that this Winter Session was called so late. It’s usually convened between November 20th and 23rd, and 24th December, lasting three to four weeks. I was surprised that this time the session will begin on December 1st and last only 15 days…,” Ramesh said.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the Winter Session of the Parliament, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, “I was very surprised that this winter session was called so late. It’s usually convened between November 20th and 23rd, and 24th December, lasting three to four weeks. I was surprised that… pic.x.com/VBc6GlztGL

— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2025

“I don’t understand what the government is running away from. Is the session being shortened because of Delhi’s pollution? Is there no legislation or bill? Is there no topic for debate?… They just want to end it as a formality as quickly as possible. This is the first time we’ve seen this… Yes, sessions are shortened before elections, so does this indicate that Lok Sabha elections are coming?” he asked.

Listing out the priorities for the Opposition in general and the Congress party in particular, Ramesh said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls by the Election Commission will remain a key issue of discussion.

“A major issue will be the SIR issue. The Prime Minister’s silence on Trump’s statements is a major issue. The current relationship with China is unresolved. There hasn’t been a border agreement with China. We haven’t returned to the previous situation. Negotiations are being held between the two countries based on the new normal that China has established. So, there are many such issues regarding the economy, the rate of economic growth, GDP, unemployment is a major issue. There is no shortage of issues. We keep issuing notices again and again, but no action is ever taken on them. The government does whatever it wants,” he said, suggesting a dictatorial tendency on the part of the current government.

The Union government earlier today said the Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 1 to 19, 2025. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed this on the social media platform X, stating that the President has approved the government’s proposal regarding the Winter Session dates.

“The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji has approved the proposal of the Government to convene the Winter Session of Parliament from 1st December 2025 to 19th December, 2025 (subject to exigencies of Parliamentary business)” the minister said.

Rijiju added that the government was hoping for constructive and meaningful discussions and business during the last session of the calendar year.

“Looking forward to a constructive & meaningful Session that strengthens our democracy & serves the aspirations of the people,” he added.