Kiren Rijiju Responds to Congress Criticism Over Shortened Winter Parliament Session

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh have engaged in a public exchange over the duration of the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

Kiren Rijiju responded firmly to Jairam Ramesh's criticism regarding the winter session's timing, stating that he will continue appealing to the Congress Party to participate constructively in parliamentary proceedings.

Posting on the social platform X, Rijiju addressed Ramesh's video clip where the Congress leader questioned if the government was avoiding parliamentary debate. Rijiju wrote, "As if Congress leaders are interested in running Parliament Session! But I will never get tired of repeatedly appealing the Congress Party to participate in the Parliament debates and discussions and also not to create obstacles for other sincere MPs. Let Parliament function."

The winter session is scheduled to run from December 1 to December 19, comprising 15 working days.

Jairam Ramesh had earlier criticized the session's scheduling as "unusually delayed and truncated." Speaking to ANI, he noted that winter sessions typically commence between November 20-23 and continue until December 24, lasting three to four weeks.

The Congress General Secretary questioned the government's motives: "I don't understand what the government is running away from." He suggested several possible reasons for the shortened session, asking if it was due to Delhi's pollution, lack of legislation, or insufficient topics for debate.

Ramesh also speculated whether the shortened session might indicate forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, observing that parliamentary sessions are often abbreviated before national polls.

The Congress leader highlighted numerous pressing issues awaiting discussion, including SIR (Special Investment Region), economic growth rates, unemployment, and former US President Trump's claims about mediation in India-Pakistan relations during Operation Sindoor.

Ramesh expressed particular concern about the Prime Minister's silence regarding Trump's statements and the unresolved border situation with China. He remarked that despite repeatedly issuing notices on these matters, "no action is ever taken on them. The government does whatever it wants."

When asked about Bihar elections, Ramesh interpreted the high voter turnout as a signal for change, predicting that the Mahagathbandhan alliance would form the next government there, stating "Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and the NDA's time is over."

President Droupadi Murmu has officially approved the Union Government's proposal for the winter session's dates. Minister Rijiju had previously expressed hope for "a constructive and meaningful Session that strengthens our democracy and serves the aspirations of the people."