The government has taken the initiative to bring together various political parties for an all-party meeting on July 21, just ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament scheduled for July 22. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has called for a gathering of floor leaders from different political parties to gather insights into the key issues they intend to raise during the session. This proactive step aims to ensure a constructive and productive parliamentary session by addressing concerns and topics of importance to different parties.
Notably, the Monsoon Session is expected to have 19 sittings lasting until August 12, making it a significant period for discussions, debates, and legislative agenda setting. This particular meeting carries additional weight as it is anticipated to witness the presence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, indicating a crucial moment for impactful discussions and exchanges on various matters of national importance. However, the Trinamool Congress will not be participating in the meeting, citing the significance of July 21 as Martyrs Day, a day of remembrance for 13 Congress supporters tragically killed in 1993 during a Kolkata Police firing incident amidst a march towards Writers Buildings under the CPI(M)-led Left Front government in West Bengal.
The forthcoming session is expected to witness crucial events such as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation of the Union Budget on the first day, July 22. Additionally, Sitharaman is slated to introduce the Economic Survey during the parliamentary session, setting the tone for financial discussions and policy directions. Among the significant legislative items to be presented, there are plans to introduce six bills, including the replacement of the long-standing Aircraft Act, and seeking parliamentary approval for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir which is currently under central rule. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, has urged his party MPs to advocate for the special category status for Odisha, highlighting the diverse range of topics and demands that could shape the upcoming parliamentary session.