13-09-2023 : The government has taken the initiative to convene an all-party meeting on September 17, scheduled just a day before the commencement of a five-day special session of Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed the distribution of invitations to the floor leaders of all political parties for this crucial gathering.
In a message shared on social media, Minister Joshi expressed optimism about the upcoming parliamentary discussions during what is referred to as “Amrit Kaal,” signifying a period of great significance and opportunity.
However, the government’s decision to announce this special parliamentary session, scheduled from September 18 to 22, has raised eyebrows due to the absence of a disclosed agenda. The unexpected nature of the session has prompted various political leaders and parties to seek clarity regarding the issues to be addressed.
Notably, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had earlier penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to provide a clear agenda for the session. In her correspondence, Gandhi outlined nine crucial topics that opposition parties wished to discuss and debate during the session. These issues encompassed the current economic situation, commitments made to farmers regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP), the demand for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate transactions involving the Adani group, the crisis in Manipur, the occupation of Indian territory by China, and the pressing need for a caste-based census.
Amid the speculation surrounding the session’s agenda, there are suggestions that the government may bring up topics such as the women’s reservation bill, the uniform civil code, or the concept of simultaneous elections for discussion.
In response to Sonia Gandhi’s letter, Minister Joshi accused her of politicizing parliamentary proceedings and generating unnecessary controversy. He clarified that it is not customary to consult with political parties before convening a Parliament session and that issues are typically not pre-discussed with them.
Additionally, there is an expectation that the proceedings of Parliament will shift from the old building to the new one during this special session, marking a significant transition in the functioning of India’s legislative body.