The Winter Session of Parliament 2023 commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring, “Rajnaitik garmi badi tezi se badh rahi hai (political temperatures are soaring),” a direct reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victories in three out of five assembly polls. Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, emphasized that the poll results indicate a rejection of negativity by the people and urged the opposition to engage constructively rather than protesting merely for the sake of it.
The Winter Session, marked by a charged atmosphere, saw BJP MPs welcoming PM Modi in the Lok Sabha with slogans of “Teesri Baar Modi Sarkar” and “Baar Baar Modi Sarkar,” setting an energetic tone for the parliamentary proceedings.
The government’s agenda for the Winter Session includes 21 Bills, with significant attention on replacing the IPC, Indian Evidence Act, and CrPC. Notably, the session’s inaugural day witnessed the passage of two bills, one each in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
Key developments from the Winter Session’s first day include PM Modi’s call for constructive opposition participation. He encouraged opposition parties to contribute positively through debates, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a negative image that could harm democracy.
The Lok Sabha passed the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aimed at regulating the legal profession through a single Act. The Bill empowers high courts and district judges to frame and publish lists of “touts” while addressing concerns about their role in legal proceedings. However, some members raised objections, emphasizing the need for enhanced penalties and expressing concerns about potential misuse of power.
In the Rajya Sabha, a Bill to repeal the Indian Post Office Act of 1898 and introduce a new law governing post offices in India was passed. The Bill grants the central government the authority to intercept, open, or detain items in the interest of national security, public order, and other specified circumstances. Opposition members raised concerns about surveillance under the guise of reforms, emphasizing potential implications on privacy.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal expressed the government’s openness to a policy on the transfer of high court judges during the debate on the Advocates (Amendment) Bill. The Rajya Sabha decided to end the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha, holding him “guilty of breach of privilege” and deeming the suspension sufficient punishment.
The Ethics Committee’s report on the expulsion of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha was listed for presentation but not taken up. Opposition members demanded a discussion on the report before any decision, with expectations that it will be tabled on Tuesday.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured the Rajya Sabha of the government’s commitment to air passenger safety and security. He highlighted measures taken by the ministry to uphold safety standards and impose penalties for violations by airlines and airports.
As the Winter Session unfolds, opposition parties convened in Delhi to strategize on confronting the Modi-led central government on various public interest issues. The session is anticipated to witness robust debates, legislative actions, and discussions on pressing matters affecting the nation.