Parliament Monsoon Session Begins July 20; Key Bills on Women's Quota, Anti-Defection in Focus
The monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled to be held from July 20 to August 13. The government aims to push forward several key bills, including a proposed constitutional amendment bill related to women's reservation and a bill concerning the automatic removal of public officials under certain conditions.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, speaking in Kolkata, urged lawmakers to prioritise discussion over disruption. His comments come amid expectations that the opposition may raise concerns over recent defections of MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Birla stated that the issue of frequent changes in allegiance by lawmakers, which has raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law, should be addressed by political parties. He noted that the matter was discussed at a conference of presiding officers.
In the previous session, the government's bill to amend the Women's Reservation Act failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. The bill aimed to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha and implement women's quota from 2029. It received 298 votes in favour, short of the 352 needed in a House of 528 members.
Political observers suggest that the recent defections, if recognised by the Speaker, could help the NDA approach the two-thirds mark. There is also speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) might reconsider its opposition to the bill after the party left the INDIA bloc. However, no official confirmation has been made.
Another proposed constitutional amendment bill relates to the automatic removal of prime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers if they are in detention for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. The opposition has criticised this bill as unconstitutional and aimed at targeting state governments led by rivals. A parliamentary committee reviewing the bill is expected to finalise its report before the session begins.
Speaker Birla emphasised that his only appeal to lawmakers is to ensure that there is discussion but no disruption, maintaining the decorum of the House.
