The government has yet to announce details concerning the winter session of Parliament, leaving uncertainty over whether it will be a regular session or a special sitting in December. The Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die on August 13, but Parliament has not been formally prorogued since then, prompting criticism from opposition leaders.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the 88-day gap since the adjournment without prorogation, questioning the delay and suggesting that it might be linked to the government’s proposed legislation on women’s reservation and the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also sought clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the delay.
Under the Constitution’s Article 85, the President possesses the authority to summon and prorogue Parliament, with a requirement that no more than six months should elapse between sessions. Despite the uncertainty, government sources have indicated that a winter session could still occur in December, although the nature of the session remains undecided.
The opposition has expressed concerns that the delay may relate to the government’s plans for delimitation legislation, with Ramesh accusing the government of avoiding an all-party discussion on the matter. He called for more transparency before introducing any related bills.
On the other hand, an NDA leader dismissed the possibility of the winter session being cancelled, stating that Parliament will convene in December. This assurance counters speculation and emphasizes the government’s intention to hold a session despite the current uncertainty.