In its third term, the NDA government is displaying a notable shift towards a more flexible and consultative approach to lawmaking. This adjustment is marked by the withdrawal of contentious proposals, pauses in policy rollouts, and a willingness to subject politically sensitive bills to deeper scrutiny. This approach signals a departure from the more assertive legislative style seen in the previous term and reflects a commitment to parliamentary discourse and consensus-building.
Over the past few weeks, the government has retreated on several key measures. One significant instance is the withdrawal of the Constitution Amendment Bill on Chandigarh, which followed objections from various political parties in Punjab, including some within the BJP. The bill, officially the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed to include Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution, potentially paving the way for the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor. This would align Chandigarh's governance with other Union Territories without legislatures. However, the move sparked outrage in Punjab, where leaders across party lines expressed concerns that it would dilute Punjab's claim over the shared capital. The Home Ministry clarified that the proposal was intended to simplify the law-making process but assured that any decision would be taken after consulting all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh.
Another policy shift involves the proposal to mandate pre-installation of the Sanchar Sarthi app on smartphones. This initiative, aimed at curbing cyber fraud, was put on hold due to privacy concerns raised by digital-rights groups and industry bodies. Critics argued that the app posed potential surveillance risks.
The government also postponed the implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots. This decision came after mass flight cancellations by IndiGo, which left passengers stranded at airports across the country. Airlines argued that immediate enforcement of the new norms would disrupt operations and exacerbate existing crew shortages. The FDTL rules, designed to reduce pilot fatigue, include increased weekly rest periods and stricter caps on night duties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduced temporary relaxations to restore stability while balancing safety requirements. These relaxations included allowing up to six night landings until February 2026.
This pattern of recalibration aligns with a greater willingness to engage in parliamentary debate. In contrast to the previous term, when controversial laws were pushed through despite opposition, the government is now referring major proposals for committee review. Politically sensitive bills like the Waqf Amendment Bill and the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill have been sent to parliamentary committees for detailed examination. The government has also agreed to a full debate on election reforms during the current session, signaling an openness to bipartisan engagement.
Many observers interpret this consultative posture as preparation for building consensus on upcoming reforms. With a reduced majority, the NDA government is likely to rely more on coalition partners and seek broader agreement on key policy initiatives. This approach could lead to a more inclusive and sustainable growth agenda. However, some analysts suggest that structural reforms might face delays due to the need for consensus. The government may also increase populist spending to bolster political support. Despite these challenges, the NDA government remains committed to reforms in manufacturing, job creation, and infrastructure development.
