New Delhi:
The UPA government could face a stormy winter session of Parliament that begins on Thursday.
In an all-party meeting held on Monday in New Delhi, the principal opposition party, the BJP, has demanded a discussion on internal security with special focus on the serial blasts that took place before Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Patna on October 27.
"We have asked the government for a discussion on internal security, especially over the Patna blasts," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, told reporters.
"We also asked for debate on atrocities against women and functioning of JPC on 2G spectrum. We will also like to discuss price rise, slow down of economy and other important issues before the country," tweeted Ms Swaraj after the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Left parties want a debate on the worsening communal situation in the country in the wake of the Muzaffarnagar riots in Uttar Pradesh which killed over 60 and displaced nearly 45,000 people two months ago.
"It's a very short session and the government has listed out a huge agenda. But we want them to prioritise and take up these discussions," the Left Front's Sitaram Yechury said.
Another issue that is likely to disrupt the winter session is the Women's Reservation Bill.
The Samajwadi Party has threatened to stall the proceedings if the women's Bill and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe bill on quota in promotion are tabled by the UPA government.
The announcement may further damage the fragile understanding between the Congress and the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led party, which extends outside support to the government at the Centre.
"It's a short session. So will give priority to those Bills that have been passed in one House and await passage in another," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said.
While the Lokpal Bill has been passed by Lok Sabha, it is awaiting passage in Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, the women's Bill that was passed by Rajya Sabha needs to be cleared by the Lok Sabha.
The BJP has also expressed its displeasure over the absence of a Bill on the statehood for Telangana in the forthcoming session. (
Telangana to be Rayalatelangana in a move cleared by PM, Sonia Gandhi)
Sources said Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde assured Sushma Swaraj of expediting the approval of the draft Bill on Telangana.