winter session

Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has tested positive for COVID-19, on December 28. She attended the winter session of the State Legislative Council on December 27, and also visited Uttar Pradesh recently. She stated that she has "mild symptoms", and has asked those who were in close proximity with her to take precautionary measures. Notably, Gaikwad had contracted the virus for the first time, last year. 

Congress leader Manish Tewari, on December 14, issued an adjournment motion to discuss privatisation in the banking sector in the Lok Sabha. "At least 8 banking unions have called for a strike on December 16 and 17, against government's attempt of privatization in the banking sector", said Tewari. Notably, the Central Government proposed Banking Laws Amendment Bill 2021, which will privatise Indian banks, run by the Government of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 1 held a meeting with senior cabinet leaders in Parliament to discuss strategy for the ongoing winter session. Top leaders such as Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Prahlad Joshi, and Kiren Rijiju attended the meeting. The winter session of the Parliament commenced on November 29, passing the Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021. The session is likely to conclude on December 26.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is set to arrive in Delhi on her four-day visit, starting from November 22. Her visit will take place a few days before the parliamentary winter session, which is scheduled to begin on November 29. Earlier in July, she also made a visit to the capital. Meanwhile, she had met PM Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.