As Parliament’s Winter Session opens today, several contentious issues — from the voter list revision to the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi — are set to dominate the political landscape. The Opposition has lined up demands for multiple debates, signalling a stormy session ahead.

Major flashpoints set the tone

The FIR filed against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case is expected to be a key point of confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP. The matter is likely to spark heated exchanges on the floor of both Houses.

Opposition pushes for debate on SIR

Opposition parties have demanded a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress has argued that inadequate planning has burdened election staff, linking the recent death of a Bengal polling official to work-related strain.

National security and pollution on agenda

Leaders from 36 parties, during the all-party meet, sought a debate on the Delhi blast and wider national security issues. With the national capital battling severe air pollution, demands have also been raised for a discussion on environmental concerns.

Government calls for cooperation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that while some Opposition leaders may raise a ruckus over SIR, no party indicated plans to disrupt proceedings. He stressed that Parliament has established procedures to address every issue.

Session schedule

The Winter Session is set to run till December 19, featuring 15 sittings over 19 days. The government plans to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial bill during this period.

A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

Cyclone Ditwah, which has already caused massive destruction in Sri Lanka, is moving towards the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, prompting widespread alerts, flight cancellations and school closures across the region.

Cyclone intensifies over Bay of Bengal

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm continues to move in a north-northwest direction and is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh by November 30.
The IMD said the system was centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal and north Sri Lanka at 8:30 am today, travelling at 8 kmph.

The cyclone is projected to move even closer to the Tamil Nadu coastline within hours — at distances of 60 km by midnight, 50 km by early morning, and 25 km by tomorrow evening.

123 dead in Sri Lanka, over 100 missing

Sri Lanka has been hit hardest so far, with at least 123 deaths and more than 100 people reported missing due to torrential rain and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The country’s meteorological officials confirmed that the storm has now exited the island but warned that heavy rainfall and strong winds will persist for some time.

Chennai flights disrupted amid severe weather forecast

Chennai Airport has suspended 54 scheduled flights as a precaution, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 48 hours. The cancellations include several regional turboprop services to Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Salem, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Jaffna.
Both arrivals and departures have been halted, and airlines have advised passengers to avoid last-minute travel to the airport.

Schools shut in parts of Tamil Nadu

Amid warnings of intense rainfall across Tamil Nadu, multiple districts have ordered school closures to ensure student safety. Authorities remain on alert as the cyclone edges closer to the coast.