01-07-2023 : Congress, the principal opposition party, is gearing up to take on the Narendra Modi government during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. The party has devised a strategic plan to address crucial challenges facing the nation, encompassing topics such as the Manipur violence, surging inflation, unemployment concerns, and the perceived infringement on the federal structure of the country, with particular reference to the actions of state governors.
In a media interaction at the Congress headquarters in Delhi, Rajya Sabha MP and head of the party’s communications department, Jairam Ramesh, emphasized the party’s commitment to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament during the monsoon session. He asserted that the Congress aims to bring vital issues to the forefront, including the distressing situation in Manipur, the threat posed to the federal structure, railway safety, inflation, and unemployment.
Following the announcement by parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi regarding the dates for the monsoon session (July 20 to August 11), the Congress parliamentary strategy group convened at 10 Janpath, the residence of former party chief Sonia Gandhi, to determine the party’s stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting on July 3.
Among those present at the Congress Parliamentary Party’s (CPP) strategy group meeting were CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Jairam Ramesh expressed disappointment at the prime minister’s silence on the Manipur violence, which has persisted for two months. He called for the prime minister to address the situation. Additionally, the Congress demanded the resignation of Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, as the Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to the state did not seem to have resolved the ongoing violence.
Ramesh mentioned that the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as an MP was also discussed during the meeting, and the party hopes for a fair resolution in court to enable Rahul’s participation in the session.
Furthermore, Ramesh disclosed that the Congress president briefed the MPs about a meeting of opposition parties held in Patna, and such gatherings will continue, with the next meeting scheduled in Bengaluru.
The party’s agenda for the monsoon session includes raising concerns about railway safety, urging the prime minister to prioritize it akin to the Vande Bharat train flagging-off. On the matter of the Uniform Civil Code, the Congress reiterated its previously declared stance.
In addition to the major issues, Congress intends to highlight the mistreatment of wrestlers, particularly female wrestlers, by the Delhi Police, which they view as a stain on society. The party will also address the absence of an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration of the new parliament building, considering it an insult to the tribal population and other marginalized groups.
The Congress will persist in its demand for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the alleged Adani scandal, a matter previously raised during the previous session. Another issue to be raised pertains to the conduct of governors in various states, which Congress views as an encroachment on the country’s federal structure.
Despite their desire for Parliament to function smoothly, the Congress anticipates the government’s cooperation in allowing them and other opposition parties to address pressing national concerns during the upcoming monsoon session.