New Delhi : The Indian Parliament’s Winter Session on December 9, 2025, erupted into heated exchanges as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi sparred over the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the government’s renewed electoral reform push.
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha began at 10:00 AM IST, with Modi delivering a sharp, politically charged speech invoking Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 1882 composition. Modi accused the Congress of historically diluting the national song’s cultural spirit, calling it “a voice fragmented by surrender to the Muslim League” and alleging that Jawaharlal Nehru compromised its symbolism in 1947 to appease Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Rahul Gandhi Hits Back: “Distortion of History”
Rahul Gandhi countered the remarks as a “distortion of history”, defending Nehru’s “inclusive and secular nation-building vision.” The clash triggered slogans, interruptions, and multiple adjournments.
Home Minister Amit Shah backed the Prime Minister’s statements, while SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Election Commission’s impartiality, referencing what he termed India’s “first vote theft of 1947.”
Historians note that ‘Vande Mataram,’ adopted as the national song in 1937, has long symbolized unity—but also periodic controversy.
Aadhaar–Voter ID Link Sparks Fresh Tensions
Around 12:00 PM, the focus shifted to electoral reforms. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled a motion for mandatory linkage of voter IDs with Aadhaar, arguing it would curb duplication and fraud.
Congress MP Manish Tewari condemned the move, alleging it could disenfranchise nearly 10 crore marginalized citizens, igniting fresh protests.
In the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman linked the reforms to black money reduction and electoral bond transparency. Her remarks were met with loud opposition, causing further disruptions.
Waqf Bill Deferred, Sanchar Saathi App Debated
Due to sustained chaos, the Waqf Bill amendments, originally slated for debate, were postponed to December 10.
The government’s ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app, launched on December 8 to combat telecom fraud, received mixed reactions. Supporters praised its consumer protection features, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra denounced it as “surveillance overreach.”
Attendance remained low—around 70%—as 26 opposition MPs remained suspended, underscoring the polarized nature of the session.
National Issues Cast Shadow
Beyond Parliament, attention remained fixed on:
The Goa nightclub fire investigation, where 14 people died from suffocation in Arpora on December 8
Rising political tensions ahead of the 2026 state elections
Modi’s 20-minute address, streamed by more than 50 million viewers, emphasized cultural revival and national unity. However, walkouts by 12 INDIA bloc MPs signaled sharpening political divides.
This marked Day 7 of the Winter Session, set to continue until December 22, with critical legislation—including electoral reforms, telecom regulation, and minority rights—still pending.
