As India’s political year draws to a close, the Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on December 1, 2025, has swiftly become the epicenter of intense legislative and rhetorical battles. With recent assembly election outcomes in Delhi and Bihar reshaping regional power dynamics and pivotal national policies under scrutiny, the nation’s political landscape is abuzz with activity, debate, and the strategic positioning of major parties ahead of future electoral contests. From discussions on electoral reforms to historical interpretations, the halls of power resonate with the ongoing narrative of India’s democratic journey.
The current Winter Session of Parliament is marked by significant legislative agendas and fervent opposition scrutiny. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for constructive debate, urging parties to utilize Parliament for productive discussions rather than dramatic standoffs. However, the opposition, primarily led by the Indian National Congress and its prominent leader, Rahul Gandhi, has wasted no time in challenging the government on several fronts. A key point of contention is the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The opposition alleges potential discrepancies and the risk of genuine voters being excluded, demanding a thorough debate on the process, highlighting concerns over the transparency and fairness of electoral administration. The government is expected to present its detailed response to these allegations, setting the stage for a critical discussion on the integrity of the electoral process.
Adding to the parliamentary drama, a heated debate on “Vande Mataram” unfolded, commemorating 150 years of the national song. Union Home Minister Amit Shah sparked controversy by accusing the Congress of initiating “appeasement politics” in 1937 by altering the song, a move he controversially linked to the eventual partition of India. This historical interpretation drew a sharp retort from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who vehemently defended his party’s patriotic legacy, asserting that Congress leaders have consistently championed the national song and sacrificed for the nation’s freedom. The exchange underscored the deep ideological fissures that continue to define India’s political discourse, often revisiting historical narratives to score contemporary political points.
Beyond the parliamentary chambers, the year 2025 has been pivotal for state-level politics. The National Capital Territory of Delhi witnessed a significant political shift in February. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in the Delhi Assembly after nearly three decades, securing a two-thirds majority with 48 seats in the 70-seat house. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) garnered 22 seats, while the Congress failed to open its account. Rekha Gupta was subsequently sworn in as the Chief Minister. The election campaign in Delhi was largely dominated by public perception of the incumbent AAP’s governance record, particularly concerning issues like the Yamuna river’s cleanliness, persistent air pollution, and water shortages. Furthermore, the liquor policy case, which led to the arrest and resignation of former CM Arvind Kejriwal, significantly weakened the AAP’s position during the polls.
The electoral wave continued to sweep across the nation with the Bihar Assembly elections held in two phases in November. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a resounding victory, securing 202 out of the 243 assembly seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party within the alliance with 89 seats, followed by the Janata Dal (United) with 85, and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) with 19. The Mahagathbandhan, the opposition alliance, managed to secure only 35 seats. Following the victory, Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister for an unprecedented tenth term, with Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha continuing as his deputies. The opposition’s campaign in Bihar centered on critical issues such as unemployment, youth migration, and the longstanding demand for a caste census, alongside concerns regarding the deletion of over six million names from voter rolls.
In September, the nation saw a change in its Vice President. Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health concerns, C. P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the new Vice President of India. This administrative change also involved elections for 14 Rajya Sabha seats held in June and October, further recalibrating the composition of the upper house of Parliament. Looking ahead, Kerala is currently in the midst of its local body elections, with the first phase of polling on December 9 and the second on December 11, and results expected on December 13. These elections are poised to shape governance at the grassroots level, with key issues revolving around urban infrastructure, rural development, healthcare access, digital governance, and environmental sustainability. Major municipal elections, including those for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are also anticipated, which hold significant sway over regional political power.
On the policy front, the Union Budget for 2025-26, presented earlier in the year, focused on accelerating economic growth, fostering inclusive development, and invigorating private sector investments. Key government schemes announced include the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme, and a new Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs aimed at women, Scheduled Tribes, and Scheduled Castes. The budget also introduced the Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 and proposed reforms in the power sector and urban development. Furthermore, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed in April, brought significant changes to the administration of Waqf properties, including mandatory inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf boards and enhanced authority for district collectors over government claims. This act, however, faced considerable opposition from several Muslim leaders, who expressed concerns about its implications.
India’s diplomatic engagements also saw high-profile events. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India in early December to bolster bilateral trade and strategic partnerships. The visit occurred amidst heightened international pressure on India due to its historical ties with Russia and increased purchases of Russian crude oil, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin, underscoring the importance of the relationship. This visit highlighted India’s delicate balancing act in its foreign policy, navigating complex relationships with both Western powers and traditional allies.
The year also brought to light pressing social and human rights issues. Protests continued in Ladakh throughout 2025, with residents demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, and safeguards for land and jobs, escalating to violent clashes in September. The granting of the first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in May reignited debates surrounding the law’s discriminatory provisions. Human rights organizations and the UN Human Rights Committee voiced concerns over discrimination and violence against minority communities, including religious minorities, Dalits, and tribal groups, and criticized the government’s use of various laws against civil society organizations and activists.
As the Winter Session progresses and the year concludes, India’s political trajectory in 2025 reflects a vibrant and often contentious democracy, marked by significant electoral outcomes, crucial legislative actions, and a dynamic interplay between national and international forces. The debates and decisions made in these final weeks will undoubtedly set the tone for the upcoming year, shaping the nation’s governance, economy, and social fabric.
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