Top Congress leadership, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Legislative Party leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and MP Priyanka Gandhi, took part in the INDIA bloc protest on Wednesday against the four labor codes at Parliament. The MPs raised various banners, including a prominent one stating, “No to Corporate Jungle Raj – Yes to Labour Justice,” claiming that the labor codes promote a “corporate jungle raj.”

The protest follows the government’s acceptance of repeated Opposition requests for a discussion. The Central government is scheduled to discuss electoral reforms on December 9. Since the start of the Parliament’s winter session, INDIA bloc MPs have also been protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with the government urging cooperation amid a parliamentary stalemate.

Earlier, INDIA bloc floor leaders held a strategy meeting ahead of the third day of the Winter Session, after the Centre agreed to the Opposition’s demand for a debate on the SIR of the electoral roll. Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, attended the meeting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that during an All-Party Meeting chaired by the Lok Sabha Speaker, it was decided that discussions would be held in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram” on December 8, and on election reforms on December 9.

As the third day of the Parliament session begins, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. The bill proposes to increase excise duties and cess on tobacco products through amendments to the Central Excise Act, 1944.

Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, trade unions with 51% membership gain recognition as the Negotiating Union, which the government says strengthens collective bargaining. The code also broadens the definition of a strike to include “mass casual leave,” aiming to prevent flash strikes and ensure lawful action.