NEW DELHI: Day before the start of Parliament Monsoon session, an all-party meeting was convened by the government to seek cooperation for the smooth functioning of the House. However, the meeting quickly turned into a platform for opposition parties to put forward a list of pressing issues they plan to raise during the session.Top among their concerns are the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bihar under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.Leaders from across the political spectrum participated in the meeting, setting the stage for the Monsoon session.
Key points from the meeting:
Government seeks cooperation, opposition flags serious concerns
- The meeting, aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the Monsoon session, was attended by leaders across party lines.
- The government was represented by Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju and minister of state Arjun Ram Meghwal.
- Opposition parties made it clear that cooperation in the House would hinge on the government addressing their key concerns.
Congress demands PM’s statement on Trump’s ceasefire remarks, Pahalgam attack
- Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh participated in the meeting, with Gogoi stating, “It is incumbent on PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament on the key issues raised by the Congress.”
- The Congress is pressing for answers regarding the
Pahalgam terror attack , where perpetrators remain at large. - They are also demanding clarity over Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he mediated a ceasefire during India-Pakistan tensions.
- Later speaking to reporters, Gogoi expanded on these concerns: “This time we have more hope than before that Prime Minister Modi will address the country through the House. Those important issues are Pahalgam, the things that the Lieutenant Governor said about it. A lot of time has passed and the government will have to put forth its point on it.””The statements coming from the US President today, in some way, raise questions on the dignity of India, the bravery of the Indian Army. The answers to the US President can be given only by the Prime Minister.””Secondly, important questions are being raised today regarding the right to vote. The way the Election Commission is shying away from talking to various political parties and is not giving clarifications… very important questions have also been raised about this. Being the head of the government, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to put forth the position of his government.””Today, this government is also bringing various bills regarding Manipur… The Prime Minister had said about Manipur that peace will come in a few months. Almost two and a half years have passed and we are not able to see an atmosphere of peace. The Prime Minister goes to small countries. But in a small state of our own country, where fire is still there, he is avoiding it for some reason. We hope for a positive discussion in the coming session.”
AAP raises ‘electoral scam’ in Bihar, slum demolitions in Delhi
- AAP MP Sanjay Singh highlighted concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar, calling it a “poll scam.”
- He said, “SIR exercise should stop in Bihar. Electoral scam is going on… If the government does not answer, we will raise questions inside and outside the House.”
- Singh also demanded the government clarify Trump’s ceasefire remarks and condemned the demolition of slums in Delhi.
INDIA bloc sets agenda for Monsoon session
- The opposition INDIA bloc resolved to prioritise the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor fallout in Parliament.
- RSP MP NK Premachandran said, “Revision of the voter list in Bihar and the attitude of the Election Commission will also be raised. Economic issues, foreign policy, and the Ahmedabad plane crash are on the agenda too.”
- He confirmed that all INDIA bloc members except the Aam Aadmi Party attended a preparatory meeting held earlier.
NCP, DMK, RPI(A) among parties present
- Prominent attendees included Supriya Sule (NCP–Sharad Pawar faction), T R Baalu (DMK), and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale (RPI–A), indicating wide participation across the political spectrum.
- The government is expected to take note of the opposition’s demands ahead of a politically charged session.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari outlines agenda
- Speaking to reporters, Tiwari said, “Those involved in the Pahalgam terror attack have not been caught. We want the PM to directly answer our questions. Bihar SIR is also on our priority list.”
- He added that several other matters would be raised during the Monsoon session.
