High-profile discussions unfolded over the Waqf Bill, Constitution Amendment Bill, and the more recent VB-G RAM G Bill, showcasing sharp conflicts between the government and the Opposition.
Although the government opted not to convene an urgent parliamentary session following the Pahalgam terror attack—rejecting the Opposition’s call—discussions surrounding the incident and Operation Sindoor remained focal points throughout 2025.
Explore the key bills that ignited debate in Parliament during 2025:
The VB-G RAM G Act
The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Bill) faced significant backlash from opposition parties and civil society organizations.
Adopted during the winter session of Parliament in 2025, it replaced the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, with promises of improved work guarantees and development goals.
Critics argued that the new act diminishes the legally enforceable right to employment by transitioning to a more discretionary system and altering funding mechanisms, placing greater financial burdens on states.
The Congress party asserted that such changes weaken protections for rural laborers and has organized nationwide protests, labeling the process as unilateral and politically motivated. They criticized the government’s decision to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the act, while state leaders expressed concerns over implementation difficulties and fiscal pressures on state budgets.
Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
The amendment of the Waqf law by Parliament, which introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, incited legal challenges and public unrest. The government argued that the reforms would promote transparency and modernize waqf property management.
Opponents contended that these changes heightened state control at the expense of community governance and religious freedom. Multiple petitions were filed in the Supreme Court by Members of Parliament and social welfare organizations, claiming that the Act infringes on constitutional protections such as freedom of religion and equality under the law.
Muslim organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, announced nationwide protests, describing the law as discriminatory and a threat to the secular nature of India’s legal system.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court stayed certain provisions of the Act, although it did not overturn the entire law.
Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025
The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill sought to introduce a significant policy change: automatic removal from office for the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or ministers if detained for serious criminal charges for a continuous span of 30 days.
Introduced in August 2025, this bill was forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee amidst robust opposition and debate.
Proponents argued that the amendment would bolster public confidence and accountability. However, legal experts expressed concerns that it might infringe upon the presumption of innocence, disrupt the separation of powers, and potentially be misused against political adversaries or during inter-party conflicts.
The decision to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee illustrates ongoing efforts to reach a consensus amidst the contentious discussion surrounding its constitutional ramifications.
Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
While somewhat overshadowed by other legislative initiatives, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill was part of the broader constitutional transformations linked to the 130th Amendment and governance reforms.
It was also referred to a parliamentary committee, reflecting the ongoing discourse on the evolution of administrative and democratic processes in the region.
Manipur GST and related Bills
The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 became a key point of contention. Aimed at aligning the state’s GST with national standards and replacing previous ordinances, the bill sparked broader disputes between the government and opposition regarding legislative focus and procedural disputes in Parliament.
Walkouts and protests from opposition members highlighted these tensions. While debates surrounding Manipur have concentrated on fiscal and procedural matters, the state continues to face humanitarian challenges.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society groups have raised alarms over ongoing administrative inaction on resettlement initiatives, even as some measures to rehabilitate affected communities have been initiated.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aimed to simplify entry, stay, and exit protocols for foreigners while bolstering national security measures.
However, it encountered immediate opposition from MPs who argued that certain clauses could compromise fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Opposition representatives contended that the bill might violate constitutional guarantees, including personal liberty and equal protection, prompting calls for more deliberation prior to its enactment.
In summary, the legislative activities in Parliament during 2025 were characterized by vigorous political debate and public examination, with several bills raising critical questions about governance, rights, federal dynamics, and democratic principles.
As these laws undergo further scrutiny—whether through judicial review or committee analysis—engagement from stakeholders across the political spectrum is expected to continue, shaping their eventual outcomes.
