The week-long deadlock in Parliament came to an end on Monday as the government and the Opposition reached a consensus, signaling the resumption of proceedings that had been in a state of limbo since the winter session commenced on November 25. This breakthrough was marked by the announcement of a special discussion on the Constitution, with dates for the debate scheduled for both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The standoff had been characterized by disruptions stemming from various issues, including the Adani indictment by U.S. prosecutors in an alleged bribery case, the recent Sambhal violence, and unrest in Manipur.
On Monday, Opposition leaders showed signs of cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of both houses of Parliament. The standoff had largely hindered the functioning of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with repeated disruptions and adjournments. However, after a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, which included floor leaders of all political parties, both sides agreed on holding a special discussion on the Constitution during the ongoing session.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, expressing confidence in a resolution, said, “The Lok Sabha will take up a debate on the Constitution on December 13 and 14, while the Rajya Sabha will hold a discussion on it on December 16 and 17.” Rijiju explained that the Opposition parties had requested a discussion to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. “The government has acceded to their request,” he noted, indicating a willingness to put the stalemate behind and move forward.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) met Speaker Birla, requesting a debate on the Constitution and pressing him to announce specific dates. Despite this progress, however, the Opposition continued its protests in both houses, seeking clarity and accountability on the Adani indictment case, Sambhal violence, and other pressing issues, which led to multiple disruptions before adjournments were called for the day.
The first week of the winter session was largely washed out, primarily because of Congress’s insistence on having a thorough debate on the Adani row and the government’s unwillingness to agree. Sources within the Congress, however, revealed that the continued disruptions were causing unease within the party ranks, with some MPs as well as other members of the broader Opposition bloc expressing concerns about the ongoing stalemate.
“There was an overwhelming sentiment among the Congress MPs during the morning strategy meeting that the repeated stalling of discussions and proceedings was not helping the party’s cause. There was a sense that the leaders needed to find a way to ensure that Parliament functions,” said a Congress MP familiar with the discussions.
The broader INDIA bloc of Opposition parties, which met later, also acknowledged the futility of the continuing disruptions. The meeting, which was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, saw the Left parties take a stand on the need for a different strategy. While reaffirming their support for the INDIA bloc, the Left leaders suggested a reconsideration of the protest strategy. Sources indicated that this suggestion led to the decision to approach the Speaker and push for a discussion on the Constitution.
With many members of the Opposition keen on engaging in meaningful debates on a range of issues, the Congress leadership ultimately decided to change its parliamentary strategy to help end the impasse. “We understand the need to participate in proceedings to raise issues effectively,” said a senior Congress leader. Later in the day, party insiders confirmed that, while the Congress was open to resuming parliamentary activity, it was not giving up its fight over the Adani row.
In the evening, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting of party leaders at his residence. During the meeting, it was decided to rally other Opposition MPs and organize a sit-in protest over the Adani case at the Makar Dwar of Parliament House before the houses reconvene on Tuesday. “We will continue our protest. Our members will raise the issue during debates on bills, such as the banking law amendment bill that was introduced in the Lok Sabha today, and on other occasions,” said a Congress leader.
Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal, speaking to the media earlier in the day, stated, “The Opposition has demanded a discussion on the Constitution. We met the Speaker, and our only demand is for him to take action to run the house smoothly. We are ready to participate provided that there is a discussion on the Constitution, as was promised.”
On the other hand, BJP leaders emphasized that they had already called for a discussion on the Constitution. “We had made this demand during the first Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting of this winter session itself,” said a BJP leader. “We wanted a proper discussion on the Constitution, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to speak on it.”
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh leveled sharp criticisms against the government, accusing it of not showing a genuine interest in running Parliament. “Today also, both houses were adjourned. The INDIA parties had given notices for an immediate discussion on Adani, Manipur, Sambhal, and Ajmer. These parties never agitated; there was hardly any sloganeering. Yet, the Modi government simply did not want Parliament to function,” Ramesh alleged.
Ramesh expressed his frustration at the government’s refusal to engage with the Opposition’s demands. “The situation is truly extraordinary. The Opposition wants a discussion, but the government is running away from it,” he claimed. He stressed the importance of dialogue in Parliament: “The responsibility of the government is to get Parliament functioning. The Opposition must have its say, but the government will have its way. But here, the government has lost its way and does not want Parliament to function.”
Reports of rifts within the Opposition bloc were dismissed by Ramesh, who clarified that different parties might have different priorities but that all were united over the “important matter” of accountability in the Adani case. “We are also of the view that Manipur is an important issue. The way a Pandora’s box has been opened with respect to the Places of Worship Act is another issue. There are various issues, and we are united in our demand for debates,” he added.
The consensus among some INDIA bloc members appeared fractured, particularly with regard to the emphasis on the Adani controversy. Parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) seemed to prioritize other pressing issues, such as unemployment, price rises, and allegations of the Centre’s discriminatory approach towards states governed by Opposition parties.
Unlike other INDIA partners, the TMC has largely distanced itself from the Congress-led alliance strategy during this session, choosing to skip the INDIA meetings held to formulate a common approach. Party leaders have made it clear that they have broader priorities, and sources suggested that the Congress’s fixation on the Adani case has limited resonance in West Bengal, where other socio-economic issues take precedence.
With both sides having made compromises, the hope is that the remaining weeks of the session will witness more constructive debates on key issues facing the nation. The decision to hold special discussions on the Constitution is an attempt by both the government and the Opposition to reclaim the narrative and make productive use of Parliament’s time.
Political analysts have remarked that this thaw is a much-needed respite for those who view parliamentary discussions as fundamental to democracy. The expectation is that, going forward, contentious issues like the Adani case, violence in Sambhal, and the unrest in Manipur will be debated, though not at the expense of halting Parliament altogether. Parliament watchers hope that a more mature dialogue on these contentious topics will allow the country’s representatives to uphold their commitment to democratic discourse.
The stage is set for what is anticipated to be a rigorous and passionate discussion on the Constitution in both houses. Many expect these debates to be significant, not only to mark the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption but also as an opportunity for lawmakers from across the political spectrum to reflect on and reaffirm their commitment to the founding principles of the nation.
The unfolding developments will be closely monitored, with particular interest in how the Opposition manages to balance its newfound willingness to engage in proceedings while continuing to push for accountability on high-profile matters, including the Adani controversy. While consensus has been reached for now, both sides know that the truce is a fragile one. And as India’s legislative machinery gears up for the debates ahead, the underlying political tension, though subdued, is bound to resurface.
The coming days will reveal whether this spirit of cooperation endures or if Parliament will once again descend into chaos over unresolved disagreements. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as they deliberate on the Constitution, the very document that guides their conduct, amidst a climate of scrutiny and skepticism.