The upcoming Parliament session, starting on July 22, is poised to be another turbulent one. In an all-party meeting held on Sunday, opposition parties voiced their concerns over several contentious issues. These included demands for special status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the NEET-UG 2024 exam controversy, and the Kanwar order controversy. The Congress also pressed for the deputy speaker’s post for the opposition.
During the meeting, Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav raised concerns over the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive for eateries along the Kanwariya route to display the owners’ names. The YSR Congress brought up the alleged targeting of its leaders in Andhra Pradesh by the TDP government, requesting intervention from the Centre. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh pointed out that while the JD(U) and YSRCP sought special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively, the TDP remained silent on the issue.
Jairam Ramesh, on X, remarked on the silence of the TDP leader on the matter of special category status. BJP president J P Nadda, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Union Minister Chirag Paswan, Defence Minister Singh, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were among the prominent figures present at the meeting. Other attendees included Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and K Suresh, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, RJD’s Abhay Kushwaha, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, SP’s Ramgopal Yadav, and NCP’s Praful Patel.
BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra, representing his party, highlighted several demands placed during the all-party meeting. He stressed Odisha’s deprivation of special category status for over two decades and the non-revision of coal royalty for the state. He also expressed concern over the declining central transfer of funds to Odisha and the lack of action against the Governor’s son, who was accused of assaulting a Raj Bhawan staff member.
NCP leader Praful Patel remarked on the formality of such meetings and highlighted the need for a smooth session devoid of disruptions. He emphasized the importance of peaceful discussion and debate on all matters raised.
The session is scheduled to begin on Monday and will span 19 sittings until August 12. The government is set to present six bills during this session, including a replacement for the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and secure Parliament’s approval for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently under central rule. Sitharaman will also table the Economic Survey in Parliament on Monday.
