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GST Amendment Bill for Manipur Passed Amid Uproar
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Monday following repeated disruptions by Opposition parties demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, marking a stormy start to the Winter Session of Parliament. The House witnessed continuous slogan-shouting and protests, forcing multiple adjournments and severely restricting legislative business.
Despite the chaos, the government managed to pass the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a brief discussion. The Bill was introduced earlier in the day by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to replace the ordinance promulgated on the matter. As Manipur is currently under President’s Rule, Parliament exercised its constitutional authority to legislate on behalf of the state.
The proceedings were first adjourned during the Question Hour in the morning, and again after lunch as Opposition members rushed into the Well of the House demanding that the government agree to a full-fledged debate on SIR. The House was finally adjourned for the day at around 2.20 pm, cutting short most scheduled business.
During the brief 12-minute Zero Hour, Finance Minister Sitharaman introduced three key Bills and also tabled the First Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025–26. Among the Bills introduced was the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes an excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products. The Health Security to National Security Cess Bill, 2025, which seeks to impose a new cess on the manufacture of pan masala.
₹41,455 Crore Additional Spending Sought for FY26
The government also sought parliamentary approval for a net additional expenditure of ₹41,455 crore for the current financial year. The gross additional expenditure stands at ₹1.32 lakh crore, which will be partially offset by savings of about ₹90,812 crore across various ministries and departments. A significant portion of the additional allocation—over ₹18,000 crore—has been earmarked for fertiliser subsidy, reflecting rising input costs in the agricultural sector.
Opposition Firm on SIR Debate
Opposition parties remained united in their demand for a detailed discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging a lack of transparency and political bias in the exercise. The persistent protests led to repeated adjournments, effectively stalling substantial parliamentary work on the very first day of the 15-day-long Winter Session.
Kharge Assures Cooperation in Rajya Sabha
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, sought to project a conciliatory tone, stating that the Congress stood firmly by constitutional values and assured cooperation in the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings, provided critical national issues were taken up for meaningful discussion.
PM Modi Welcomes New Vice-President
At the beginning of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated C P Radhakrishnan on assuming office as the new Vice-President of India. Calling his journey from a humble background to the country’s second-highest constitutional post a reflection of the true strength of Indian democracy, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan’s experience and leadership would ensure dignified and productive functioning of the Rajya Sabha.“I am confident that every member of this House will honour its traditions and uphold your dignity as well,” the Prime Minister said.
