31-08-2023: The Union government has announced the convening of a special session of Parliament, scheduled to take place from September 18 to 22. The decision, communicated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), indicates that the session will encompass five distinct sittings. Minister Joshi expressed anticipation for productive discussions and debates during what is termed the “Special Session of Parliament,” constituting the 13th session of the 17th Lok Sabha and the 261st session of the Rajya Sabha.
However, while the dates of this special session were disclosed, the government has yet to divulge the precise reasons or agenda underpinning the decision to convene. The absence of clarity regarding the session’s purpose has raised eyebrows, particularly among members of the opposition who have questioned the timing and potential motivations behind this unexpected development.
One prominent concern raised by Nationalist Congress Party leader, Supriya Sule, pertains to the coincidence of the special session dates with the Ganpati festival—a significant cultural and religious celebration in India. She expressed her reservations about the decision and urged the Union minister to reconsider the timing, considering the importance of the festival.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT) highlighted the potential insensitivity of the government’s choice of dates. Chaturvedi noted that holding a special parliamentary session during the revered Ganesh Chaturthi festival contradicts the sentiments of the Hindu community. She termed the decision as being against the backdrop of Hindu sentiments and expressed surprise at the selection of dates for the session.
Leaders have underscored the importance of respecting and accommodating cultural and religious observances when scheduling such governmental proceedings.
As the government is yet to provide a clear agenda for this special session, the questions raised by the opposition regarding the timing and potential implications of the session remain pertinent.