Leaders from across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday following the conclusion of the Winter Session, which was adjourned sine die. The meeting symbolized cooperation and civility among India’s political leadership.
The interaction took place in the Speaker’s chamber, where leaders expressed gratitude for Birla’s stewardship of the session. Among those present were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NCP MP Supriya Sule, and Union ministers K Ram Mohan Naidu, Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’, Chirag Paswan, and Pralhad Joshi. The gathering concluded with a tea session, highlighting cordial parliamentary relations.
Speaker Birla described the meeting as a reflection of parliamentary civility. “After the conclusion of the sixth session of the 18th Lok Sabha, a pleasant conversation took place with the Honourable Prime Minister and esteemed leaders of all parties,” he tweeted, emphasizing unity and decorum in legislative proceedings.
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The Winter Session, which began on December 1, recorded 92 hours and 25 minutes of sittings, achieving an impressive 111% productivity. During the session, ten government Bills were introduced, of which eight were passed, covering reforms in civil nuclear, insurance, and healthcare sectors.
A major highlight was the replacement of the MGNREGA rural employment scheme with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, marking a significant policy shift in rural employment. Parliament also approved the Supplementary Demands for Grants, First Batch, 2025–26, and the Appropriation (No. 4) Bill.
Extended thematic debates enriched the session, with the Prime Minister initiating an 11-hour discussion commemorating 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram,” attended by 65 members. Electoral reforms were also deliberated over two days for nearly 13 hours, drawing participation from 63 MPs, reflecting a robust engagement in legislative and policy matters.
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