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From the Waqf Bill and the Constitution Amendment Bill to the recent VB-G Ram Ji Bill, there were heated debates and discussions between the government and the opposition in Parliament.
Although the government did not immediately call a Parliament session after the Pahalgam terror attack, rejecting the opposition’s demand, the discussion on the attack and Operation Sindoor remained the main attraction of 2025.
Take a look at the bills that will be debated in Parliament in 2025:
VB-G RAM G Act
The Bharat-Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act (VB-GRAM G Bill) triggered widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Passed in the winter session of Parliament in 2025, it replaced the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), 2005, which promised enhanced work guarantees and development-oriented objectives.
However, critics argued that it undermined the legally enforceable right to employment by shifting to a more discretionary model and changing funding patterns, with states now responsible for a larger share of the costs.
The Congress party claimed the change undermines protections for rural workers and has organized national protests, calling the process one-sided and politically motivated, while criticizing the government’s move to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the law. State leaders also expressed concerns over implementation challenges and the fiscal burden on the state budget.
Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Parliament’s decision to amend the Waqf law to replace the old framework with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 led to legal challenges and public unrest. The government said the reforms will increase transparency and modernize the management of Waqf properties.
Critics argued that the changes expanded state authority at the expense of community-led governance and religious autonomy. Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, including by members of Parliament and social welfare organizations, arguing that the Act violates several constitutional protections such as freedom of religion and equality before law.
Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, announced nationwide protests, calling the law discriminatory and undermining the secular fabric of India’s legal framework.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court struck down some provisions of the Act, but did not strike down the entire law.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025
The 130th Constitution Amendment Bill proposed a significant change: Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers or ministers would be automatically removed from office if detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.
The bill, introduced in August 2025, was referred to a joint parliamentary committee amid strong opposition and debate.
Supporters argued that the amendment would strengthen public trust and accountability. However, legal experts and critics raised concerns that it could undermine the presumption of innocence, erode the separation of powers, and risk abuse by political opponents or in inter-party rivalries.
The bill’s referral to a parliamentary committee reflects efforts to build consensus amid controversy over its potential constitutional implications.
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Although making less headlines than other laws, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill formed part of broader constitutional changes linked to the 130th Amendment and governance reforms.
It was also referred to a parliamentary committee, reflecting the ongoing debate over how administrative and democratic processes should develop in the region.
Manipur GST and related bills
The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 had also been a subject of political controversy. Introduced to align the state GST with the national slab and replace earlier ordinances, the bill became the center of wide-ranging disputes between the government and the opposition over legislative priorities and procedural disagreements in Parliament.
Walkouts and protests by opposition members underlined these tensions. While the discussion on Manipur has often been dominated by these fiscal and procedural issues, the state is grappling with humanitarian concerns.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society groups have criticized ongoing administrative inaction on resettlement, although some efforts have been made to rehabilitate affected populations.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was introduced with the stated objective of streamlining entry, stay and exit processes for foreigners and strengthening national security protocols.
However, it faced immediate opposition from opposition MPs who argued that some provisions could adversely impact fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Opposition members claimed that the bill could violate constitutional guarantees including individual liberty and equal protection, calling for more deliberations before enactment.
Overall, in 2025, the Parliament’s legislative agenda was marked by intense political debate and public scrutiny, with many bills raising questions about governance, rights, federal balance and democratic norms.
As these laws continue to be scrutinized – whether through judicial review or committee scrutiny – stakeholders across the political spectrum are likely to remain engaged in shaping their final form.