The Winter session of Parliament commenced today, December 1, 2025, and is expected to be a tumultuous one, with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls likely to be a major flashpoint between the government and the opposition. The session, scheduled to last until December 19, will have 15 sittings.

The government is keen to push forward its reform agenda, including the crucial Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, which aims to open up the civil nuclear sector to private players. Other key legislations on the agenda include the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Securities Markets Code Bill. These bills aim to facilitate ease of doing business, promote autonomy for higher education institutions, and streamline regulations in the financial sector.

However, the opposition is gearing up to challenge the government on several fronts, with the SIR being a primary concern. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, allege that the SIR process, currently underway in 12 states and Union territories, is flawed and politically motivated, especially in states due for upcoming assembly elections. They are demanding a discussion on the issue and have threatened to disrupt proceedings if their concerns are not addressed. Some opposition leaders have alleged that the SIR process involves an opaque deletion process aimed at manipulating voter rolls to benefit the ruling BJP.

The government, while urging smooth functioning of the House, has remained non-committal on a specific discussion on SIR. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the decision would be taken by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). The opposition has expressed flexibility on the title of the discussion, suggesting broader topics like electoral reforms. However, they have warned that the government will be responsible for any disruptions if a discussion is not allowed.

Besides the SIR issue, the opposition is also likely to raise concerns about air pollution in the national capital, national security, and the economic situation. Congress has also demanded discussions on national security, the security of the electoral process, and economic security.

The Winter Session is also expected to see the introduction of several financial and economic bills, including the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to raise the foreign direct investment cap in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill and the Health Security & National Security Cess Bill, which aim to reshape the taxation of tobacco and pan masala, are also on the agenda.

Given the sharp differences between the government and the opposition on key issues, the Winter Session of Parliament is set to be a contentious one. The success of the government's legislative agenda will depend on its ability to engage with the opposition and address their concerns, while the opposition will look to hold the government accountable and raise issues of public importance.