First day at Parliament's winter session (in pics)

Updated: Thursday, December 5, 2013, 17:55 [IST]

New Delhi, Dec 5: The Winter Session of Parliament began on Thursday, a day after the conclusion of the Assembly elections in five states. And this session is likely to be a stormy one as the government is expected to push for several crucial bills, including Telangana statehood and communal violence.

However, there is little chance of much business on the first two days in the wake of the counting of votes for the Assembly elections on December 8.

Ahead of the Session, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday urged political parties to ensure smooth business. "It is obligatory for political parties to get essential business of Parliament transacted speedily and smoothly," he said.

In New Delhi

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath talks to the media on the first day of the winter session in Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday.

In New Delhi

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi with MP Meenakshi Natarajan arrives at Parliament House on the first day of the winter session in New Delhi on Thursday.

In New Delhi

Finance Minister P Chidambaram at Parliament house on the first day of the Winter Session in New Delhi on Thursday.

In New Delhi

Shiv sena MP Bhavana Pundlikrao Gawali with BJP's Mala Raj Laxmi during the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday.

In New Delhi

BSP supremo Mayawati along with party MPs arrive at Parliament on the first day of the Winter Session, in New Delhi on Thursday.

In New Delhi

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath and Ministers of State V Narayanasamy and Paban Singh Ghatowar, Rajiv Shukla talks to the media on the first day of the winter session at Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday.