All-Party Meet Discusses Key Issues Ahead of Monsoon Session
The all-party meet convened by the government on July 21 ahead of the Monsoon Session witnessed a range of issues being raised by various parties. The Congress reiterated its demand for the Deputy Speaker's position for the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They also raised the issue of question paper leaks, including the NEET issue.
Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress leader, emphasized the need for the Opposition to be allowed to raise issues in Parliament. This came in response to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's appeal for cooperation from all parties for the smooth functioning of both Houses.
Other parties also brought forth their concerns. Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav raised the issue of the Uttar Pradesh government's controversial directive to eateries on the kanwar routes to display the owners' names. The YSR Congress spoke about the alleged targeting of its leaders in Andhra Pradesh by the TDP government and sought the Centre's intervention.
The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju.
Special Category Status Demands and Political Climate
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a series of posts on X, highlighted the demands for special category status raised by various parties. The JD(U) and the YSRCP demanded special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively. Interestingly, the TDP remained silent on the matter.
Ramesh also pointed out the BJD's reminder to the Defence Minister and BJP President JP Nadda about the BJP's manifesto promise of special category status for Odisha during the 2014 assembly elections.
Monsoon Session Agenda and Opposition Strategy
The Monsoon Session, commencing on July 22, will see the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23. The session will have 19 sittings till August 12.
A united Opposition is prepared to corner the NDA government on various issues, including the NEET paper leak case and railway safety. The government is expected to present six bills, including the one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and also seek Parliament's approval for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir.