An all-party meeting held in the national capital on Sunday, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, saw opposition leaders highlight a series of pressing national issues, including electoral roll revisions, the recent Delhi blast, unemployment, inflation, federalism, and law and order concerns in several states.
The meeting, convened by the government to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses, came a day before the Winter Session is scheduled to begin on Monday.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas said the opposition presented a united position on matters they believe warrant immediate discussion. 
&ldquo;We have raised numerous issues, including SIR, the Delhi blast, pollution, federal matters, labour courts and other concerns. There is unanimity among opposition parties that these key issues must be discussed. The onus of running Parliament rests squarely on the government, and if it is disrupted, the responsibility lies with them. And if you have power, it doesn&rsquo;t mean you will trample all. We feel the government should at least reciprocate, and the opposition must be respected,&rdquo; he said.
Representing the BJD, Sasmit Patra said his party will highlight issues of significance to Odisha. 
&ldquo;Inflation and unemployment are major concerns. Odisha deserves Special Category State Status. The law and order situation in Odisha is deteriorating, with rising crimes against women and children. In the recent Nuapada by-elections, we observed electoral irregularities&hellip;&rdquo; he stated, adding that multiple development-related concerns will be raised in Parliament.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government for the shortened duration of the session. 
&ldquo;Under the leadership of the Union Home Minister, it seems efforts are being made to undermine India&rsquo;s democracy and the dignity of its parliamentary traditions. The Winter Session is for only 19 days, of which discussions can take place on just 15 days. This may be the shortest Winter Session ever. Moreover, there has been a delay in convening this session, which gives the impression that the government itself wants to derail parliamentary proceedings,&rdquo; he said.
The customary meeting is typically held before each session to build consensus and facilitate the smooth passage of legislative business. 
This Winter Session is expected to see the introduction of several new bills, with both the government and opposition preparing to advance their respective priorities.
The session will run from December 2 to December 19, providing 15 sittings. 
Opposition parties have criticised the truncated schedule, arguing that the reduced duration limits parliamentary debate, scrutiny, and meaningful discussion on critical national issues.
&mdash;IANS

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November 30, 2025 | 14:44 IST