Opposition parties staged a symbolic walkout from the all-party meeting held by the Center on Sunday ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, in protest against the government’s decision to invite the Nationalist Congress Party (India) (NCPI), which they claimed includes “rebel” Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said that all opposition parties walked out of the meeting for a few minutes as a mark of protest.
“All the opposition parties staged a walkout from the all-party meeting for a few minutes. This was a sign of protest against the Modi government’s decision to invite NCPI which is a parking space for 20 ‘rebel’ TMC MPs when the final decision is still pending with the Speaker,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
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Opposition questions are calling
After the walkout, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said: “Today, the entire opposition, all parties including Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, JMM, Aam Aadmi Party, National Conference, Left parties and Shiv Sena UPT, have walked out of the all-party meeting in protest as the so-called Indian National Citizens Party, is an unrecognized party, yet they have been given separate status despite the official list from the table.” The office shows the overall strength of the 28-member All India Trinamool Congress.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives did not approve the merger of the 20 alleged rebel MPs. The 20 disqualification requests are still pending. After the 91st Amendment, there is no longer room for a separate bloc. So, on what basis did the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs invite these 20 rebel MPs, and how will they attend this meeting? We came out as a symbol of our protest.”
Echoing the opposition’s stance, Indian Muslim League (IUML) MP Muhammad Bashir said: “Injustice has been done to the TMC. That is why we protested. Whether we return or not (to the meeting), it will be decided after consultation.”
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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant also linked the protest to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to approve the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
“There is no provision in the Constitution, there is no provision in the Tenth Schedule to recognize the six members who defected from the party. It is illegal and that is why we protested against it,” Sawant said.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav raised objections to the proposed delimitation process, accusing the BJP of trying to “complicate” the process.
“Why do people in the BJP lack confidence in the democratic system that has been in place for 75 years? Why are they so desperate to bring the delimitation bill?” Yadav said. He added that the Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, had consistently opposed the move and would “use our full strength to prevent it”, alleging that the government was using the issue of women’s reservation to complicate the demarcation process.
The all-party meeting, held ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, began on Sunday, when the government is expected to outline its legislative agenda and seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. The monsoon session is scheduled to begin on Monday.
(With inputs from agencies)
