PARLIAMENT'S WINTER SESSION BEGINS TODAY

New Delhi, December 7: The winter session of Parliament is slated to begin on Wednesday, with opposition parties preparing to press the government on a variety of topics, including price increases, the dropping value of the rupee, alleged abuse of federal agencies, the AIIMS cyberattack, and the LAC impasse with China. The winter session is slated to last through December 29--a total of 23 days and 17 sittings.  

The government intends to introduce 16 new bills during the session and push for the passage of eight pending bills, for which the opposition claims there is insufficient time in the 23-day session.

The session begins a day before the Assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP in Gujarat, but a close race between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Himachal Pradesh. The results of the Assembly elections in both states are likewise expected to be played out during the winter session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the media ahead of the planned opening of proceedings in both Houses, as is customary. In an all-party meeting called by the government on the eve of the winter session, the government stated its willingness to hold talks on problems highlighted by the opposition in accordance with the rules.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the BJP's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, has asked assistance from the opposition parties to ensure that the session runs well. Speaker Om Birla also asked leaders to help him keep the Lok Sabha running smoothly during a meeting of the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Vice President and Chairman of the Upper House Jagdeep Dhankar will preside over the Rajya Sabha for the first time. 

The Lok Sabha has published obituary references to eight of its former members and one sitting member, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, who died during the inter-session time, according to the order paper for the first day of the session. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha order paper includes obituary references for six of the former members. Both Houses will pay their respects to the members who passed away during the inter-session time. 

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is also scheduled to make a statement in both Houses of Parliament on the "latest developments in India's foreign policy."