A five-day special session of the Indian Parliament is set to begin today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the media before the session. PM Modi stated that the session will be short but will be marked by historic decisions. On September 19th, MPs will move to the new Parliament building for the first time.
During the special session, eight bills will be considered and passed. Additionally, the session will reflect on Parliament’s 75-year journey. This marks the first time that House proceedings will take place at the new Parliament building, coinciding with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
The announcement of this special session has come as a surprise to the political circles, as parties prepare for assembly polls in five states later this year. Opposition parties have criticized the BJP-led central government for calling a special session without disclosing the agenda.
During the session, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, always supported a strong opposition. Kharge took a dig at the current government, describing its attempts to weaken the opposition through various means.
Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Kharge also urged the government to change its approach to politics and highlighted the disparity in the number of statements made by PM Modi in comparison to previous prime ministers.
In the old Parliament building, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, quoted Nehru, stating that parliamentary democracy requires virtues such as ability, devotion to work, and self-discipline.
As the special session begins, there is anticipation for the historic decisions that will be taken. The session will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the 75-year journey of Parliament and its role in shaping India’s democracy.
Sources:
– Mint: Parliament special session LIVE: A five-day special session of the Parliament is all set to begin today
– Mint: ‘Nehru always favoured strong opposition,’ Kharge says
– Mint: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge speaks in Rajya Sabha
– Mint: Leader of Opposition speaks at old building
– Mint: 10-key quotes from PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha