Indian parliament witnessed a stormy start on the first day of the winter session Thursday as opposition parties disrupted proceedings over the government's recent economic reforms.

Both houses of parliament -- the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) -- were adjourned for the day without conducting any business, after the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the left parties created ruckus demanding debate and vote on the government decision to allow foreign direct investment in retail sector.

However, the Congress party-led government reiterated that the economic reforms were needed to revive the slowing economy and earlier this morning Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed to the opposition to allow smooth functioning of the parliament.

Singh said: "We all have an obligation, in opposition as well as in government, to work together to enable our parliamentary democracy. Our parliament has a very heavy legislative agenda during the winter session. I seek cooperation from my colleagues in the house."

Meanwhile, a no-confidence vote against the government was rejected in Lok Sabha by Speaker Meira Kumar. The motion, proposed by government's former ally, the Trinamul Congress from the eastern state of West Bengal, was rejected as it lacked the support of the 50 Members of Parliament as required.

The previous parliament session in September ended in deadlock amid uproar by opposition parties over coal scam.

Experts say that this winter session is slated to legislate 25 bills before its closure on December 20 and this time the Indian government is determined to run parliament smoothly.

"Though the first day was a washout, the government's floor managers are on their toes and the Prime Minister has arranged an all-party dinner meeting. Hope the winter session sees some business," Prof S.K. Gupta, a political expert said.