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The Winter Session of Parliament concluded with four weeks of dramatic developments, including protests, heated debates, and allegations of violence. Both the Congress and the BJP took strong stances, resulting in injuries, accusations, and disruptions that dominated the session's agenda. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the events:
1. Protests by Congress and BJP
On the final day, Congress MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament complex. Their demonstrations were aimed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial comments on B.R. Ambedkar.
In response, BJP MPs organized parallel protests, accusing the Opposition of disrespecting Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. This marked one of the rare occasions where both sides held simultaneous protests, intensifying tensions in the Parliament precincts.
2. Bills on ‘One Nation, One Election’ Sent to JPC
Amid the commotion, the Lok Sabha managed to forward two critical bills related to the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The committee comprises 39 members—27 from the Lok Sabha and 12 from the Rajya Sabha.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a move the BJP supports but the Opposition views with skepticism. Following this, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, marking the end of the session.
3. Injuries During Protests
The protests escalated outside the Parliament, resulting in injuries to BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Both MPs required hospitalization due to the severity of their injuries.
The Congress alleged that their party chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, was pushed during the altercations, leading to his injury. They filed a complaint against BJP MPs, while the BJP countered with allegations against Rahul Gandhi. This culminated in a police case against Gandhi, further fueling political tensions.
4. The Ambedkar Remarks Controversy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah sparked controversy during a Rajya Sabha debate when he remarked that invoking Ambedkar's name had become a “fashion.” Shah said, “It has become a fashion to say ‘Ambedkar’ repeatedly. If they had taken God’s name as much, they would’ve found a place in heaven.”
The Opposition condemned these remarks as disrespectful and insulting to Ambedkar’s legacy. Congress and Trinamool MPs moved a privilege motion against Shah, demanding his resignation. Shah, however, dismissed the allegations, accusing the Opposition of distorting his statements and using clipped video footage for political gain.
5. Accusations of Violence and Diversion
The Congress accused the BJP of orchestrating violence to divert attention from the Ambedkar controversy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Shah, accusing the Congress of spreading “malicious lies” to cover their own failures.
This blame game highlighted the growing animosity between the ruling party and the Opposition, with both sides accusing each other of undermining parliamentary decorum.
6. Lok Sabha Speaker’s Response
In response to the escalating chaos, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued strict instructions to curb unruly behavior. Protests were banned at all Parliament House gates, and MPs were directed not to block entrances, ensuring smooth functioning and security.
7. Congress Faces Challenges with Allies
Throughout the session, the Congress struggled to maintain unity among its allies. Key partners like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP) distanced themselves from several Congress-led initiatives.
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Adani Row: Both TMC and SP refrained from supporting the Congress’s demand for a probe into allegations against the Adani Group.
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George Soros Allegations: The BJP’s claims linking billionaire George Soros to anti-government activities further divided the Opposition.
This lack of support weakened the Congress’s position and highlighted growing rifts within the Opposition bloc.
Numerical Highlights of the Winter Session
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Duration: 4 weeks of proceedings.
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Bills Introduced: 9 bills, including those related to ‘One Nation, One Election.’
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Disruptions: Over 25 hours lost due to protests and walkouts.
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Members Injured: 3 MPs hospitalized during protests.
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Privilege Motions: 2 privilege motions filed against Amit Shah.
Conclusion
The Winter Session of Parliament showcased the deepening divide between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress. From protests to legislative actions, the session was a mix of political confrontation and governance challenges. As the session concludes, it leaves behind unresolved tensions and a preview of the heated political landscape leading into the next parliamentary session.
