TMC MP O’Brien accuses Modi Govt of ‘Parliament-Phobia’
The Statesman | 9 November 2025
The TMC MP Derek O’Brien Saturday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of suffering from “Parliament-phobia” after the announcement of a shortened Winter Session of Parliament, scheduled to run from 1 to 19 December, with only 15 working days.
TMC Rajya Sabha member O’Brien slammed the government, stating, “PM Modi and team continue to suffer from the acute condition called Parliament-phobia, a morbid fear of facing Parliament.” O’Brien pointed out that the average number of sitting days per session has dropped significantly since the Modi government came to power in 2014, from 45 days in the first Lok Sabha to just 17 days currently.
The Opposition alleges the government is avoiding discussions on key issues, including unemployment and federalism, and is instead prioritising passing bills without adequate debate. “A longer Winter Session would have made them even more uncomfortable when the Opposition demands discussions on unemployment and throttling federalism,” O’Brien said.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticised the government, writing on X, “Unusually delayed and truncated. It will be just 15 working days. What is the message being conveyed? Clearly, the Government has no business to transact, no Bills to get…”
The government has not publicly responded to the allegations, but parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju announced the session dates, stating, “Looking forward to a constructive & meaningful session, which will strengthen our democracy and fulfil the aspirations of the people.”