Parliament's Winter Session scheduled from November 25 to December 20

The government has scheduled the winter session of Parliament from November 25 to December 20. This session will begin just two days after the results of assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand are announced. One major focus is expected to be the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has sparked debate and is expected to be introduced for approval in both Houses. This bill proposes changes to the 1995 Waqf Act, which governs Islamic charitable endowments. The opposition, particularly the Congress-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has raised concerns, stating the bill could interfere with religious freedoms by allowing non-Muslims to serve on Waqf boards.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that both Houses will also mark Constitution Day on November 26, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This will be the third session of the 18th Lok Sabha, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) embarks on a historic third term.

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Expected legislative agenda and opposition reactions

While the government has not fully disclosed its legislative agenda, PRS Legislative Research notes there are 30 bills pending before Parliament. These include amendments to banking laws, disaster management, and regulations on oilfields. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which mandates that only those practicing Islam for at least five years can declare a Waqf and that non-Muslims, women, and certain Muslim communities may join Waqf boards, has faced criticism. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal argued that the bill contradicts Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to maintain religious institutions.

The last session saw significant legislative activity, including the approval of the Finance Bill, the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024. However, it was also marked by tensions between Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and the Opposition, resulting in walkouts and protests. As this session unfolds, further debates on the Waqf Bill and other key legislation are expected to shape parliamentary discussions and outcomes.