Opposition Faces Uphill Battle in Monsoon Session as Numbers Diminish; Delimitation Bill Returns
The Opposition's decision to walk out of the all-party meeting on Sunday, protesting the government's invitation to a faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that recently merged with another party, has set the stage for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning Monday.
Despite successfully defeating Bills related to delimitation and women's reservation in the previous session, the Opposition now finds itself with reduced numbers after 37 MPs from four anti-BJP parties switched to the ruling side. Senior Congress MP and Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore outlined the Opposition's key concerns in an interview ahead of the session.
Tagore stated that the Opposition will focus on issues such as examination paper leaks, alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the situation in Manipur, and what he described as the government's practice of 'horse trading' to cobble together a majority. He asserted that the Opposition wants Parliament to function but insists on being heard on these matters.
Regarding the reduced Opposition tally, Tagore expressed concern over the manner in which MPs have been induced to switch sides. He alleged that the government is misusing investigative agencies to pressure lawmakers, a claim the government has consistently denied.
A key flashpoint is expected to be the reintroduction of the Delimitation Bill, which was defeated in the previous session. Tagore said the bill aims to reduce the parliamentary representation of southern, eastern, and western India. He expressed hope that parties that voted against the bill in April will maintain their stance, despite the government's persistence.
The Congress is in touch with regional parties such as the DMK and NCP (SP) to ensure a united front against the bill. Tagore noted there is no reason for these parties to change their position.
Tagore also criticised the merger of TMC MPs with the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), which now has 20 MPs. He described this as 'elephant trading' and a violation of constitutional and democratic principles.
On the proposed march to Parliament by activist Sonam Wangchuk and the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP), Tagore said the Congress supports their cause of improving the education system. He reiterated the party's demand for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and said Congress will continue to raise these issues both inside and outside Parliament.
