Parliament Monsoon Session: It is slated to conclude on August 11. (File Photo)
Highlights
- PM Modi said he hoped for constructive discussions in Monsoon Session
- Opposition might discuss GST, farmers' distress and India's policy on Pak
- Kashmir unrest will feature prominently in the debates: Congress
Stormy debates on cow vigilantism, farmers' protests, the Kashmir unrest, corruption charges against opposition leaders and India's stand-off with China are expected to dominate the discourse of the Parliament in the Monsoon Session that begins today. The Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha will be adjourned today due to the death of sitting members of both the Houses and proceedings are expected from Tuesday. The session is slated to conclude on August 11. Members of the Parliament will vote for the Presidential Election today to decide on a contest between Ram Nath Kovind and Meira Kumar.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an all-party meeting on Sunday. "I hope the Monsoon Session will see constructive discussions keeping in mind the value of time, resources and honour of the Parliament," he tweeted in Hindi.
In strong comments against cow vigilantism, he said, "India's image is being affected by these acts. State governments should take stern action such anti-social elements."
The Congress and several other opposition parties, including the Left, have been critical of the ruling alliance over the cases of violence by self-proclaimed cow protectors who have often attacked Muslims and, in some cases, Dalits.
Opposition parties however signalled they will also take on the government over issues like the fallout of the Goods and Services Tax or GST, farmers' distress and policy towards Pakistan.
The increased opposition synergy comes at a time when the parties have displayed a rare unity in pitching candidates for the President and Vice President elections.
The unrest in Kashmir will also feature prominently in the debates, Congress said. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government has closed all doors for dialogue on Kashmir "which has led to political suffocation in the valley".
Economic issues, especially alleged lack of jobs, are also likely to be taken up by the opposition parties to corner the government. JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav has accused the Modi government of failing to fulfil its promises to create jobs and said the opposition parties would raise the matter in parliament.
The government, on its part, is seeking the cooperation of the opposition in getting key legislative business passed and has lined up around two dozen bills in the session that will have around 20 sittings.
BJP leaders have also said they would take on the opposition over these issues claiming that the government's track record has been better than the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in terms of economy and agriculture growth.
While parties like Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal are expected to attack the government over the action of law enforcement agencies against their leaders over alleged corruption, lawmakers from the BJP are expected to use the issue to underline their anti-corruption credentials.
(With Inputs From PTI)Post a comment