NDA’s third government is set to present its first budget on July 23 during the monsoon session, which begins on Monday and runs until August 12.
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Battle Lines by the Congress:
Source: firstpost.com
The Congress-led Opposition is preparing to challenge the BJP-led NDA government, calling for discussions on issues such as the alleged NEET scam, recent controversies involving UPSC exams, and the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive for shopkeepers to display their names along the Kanwar Yatra route. These topics are expected to be debated during the monsoon session starting on Monday.
The NDA allies, including Janata Dal (United), voiced strong opposition to the controversial directive issued by the UP government, with at least three major partners calling for its repeal. Meanwhile, the Congress is pushing for a debate on what it describes as “deliberate attempts at polarisation in states like UP through unconstitutional orders.”
During an all-party meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, the JD(U), along with former allies Biju Janata Dal and YSRCP, called for ‘Special Category’ status for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
What did the current government say?
Source: AajTak
On Sunday, the government reminded the Opposition of the necessity to uphold the sanctity of Parliament, emphasising that the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings is a shared responsibility among all members. This assertion comes in the wake of significant protests by the Opposition during the previous session, which disrupted the legislative process.
The disruption was so severe that it led to the Lok Sabha passing an uncommon motion to condemn the behavior of the dissenting members. By reiterating the importance of maintaining decorum and cooperation within Parliament, the government aims to foster a more productive and respectful environment for legislative debate and decision-making in the upcoming session.
This reminder underscores the critical role of all parliamentarians in ensuring that the legislative body functions effectively and efficiently, reflecting the collective will and interests of the people they represent.
On Sunday, Rajnath Singh assured the attendees, “The government is prepared to address all the issues raised in the meeting in accordance with the rules of the House.”
He also called for cooperation from the Opposition and emphasised that the “sanctity of Parliament must always be upheld.” Following the meeting, several BJP allies, including JDU and NCP (Ajit Pawar), voiced their concerns about the UP government’s order.
The meeting saw the attendance of 55 leaders, though notable absences included the Leaders of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as well as the floor leaders from the Trinamool Congress.
The upcoming monsoon session, commencing Monday and concluding on August 12, holds significant importance as the third NDA government will unveil its inaugural budget on July 23. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey on Monday.
Oppositions present and their opinions:
Source: Free Press Journal
The Congress delegation, including Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, Jairam Ramesh, and Pramod Tiwari, highlighted a variety of concerns from NEET scams to the dynamics of Centre-state relations. They also called for the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker’s position to be allocated to the Opposition. During the first half of the previous session, the Opposition had fielded a candidate for the Speaker’s role against NDA’s Om Birla, after failing to secure a commitment from the government regarding the Deputy Speaker’s position.
The call for Special Category status for Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh was made ahead of the introduction of the Union Budget, which is anticipated to include special provisions for the latter two states, focusing on funding infrastructure projects and promoting accelerated economic growth.
JDU working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha stated that if granting special status is not feasible, Bihar should be provided with a special package. He stressed, “We have consistently advocated for special category status for the state; if that isn’t possible, we should instead consider implementing a special package.”
BJD’s Rajya Sabha leader Sasmit Patra informed the media after the meeting, “Odisha has been denied special category status for over twenty years. The Biju Janata Dal has consistently called for this status, and states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also joined in this demand.”
YSRCP MP Vijaysai Reddy requested additional funding for Andhra Pradesh, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the TDP had “curiously” remained silent on the issue.
Opposition leaders informed HT that they plan to vigorously address the alleged NEET scam, recent controversies surrounding the UPSC, and the UP government’s directive on Kanwar Yatra during this session. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous remarks on the NEET issue, the Opposition intends to push for a debate on the matter.
Jha emphasized that the JDU strongly opposes the UP government’s order, asserting that the party is “very clear” on the need to prevent any discrimination based on caste and religion. NCP leader Praful Patel also called for the withdrawal of the order, stating, “This is the first time such decisions have been made in the context of the Kanwar Yatra. The UP government should retract it,” Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, commented after the meeting.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who was present at the meeting, strongly criticized the UP government’s order. He declared, “We have insisted that if a government enacts an order that contradicts the Constitution, it is imperative for the Government of India to take action.” Such an order violates Article 17 and promotes untouchability, which is contrary to the right to life.”
Rashtriya Loktantrik Party lawmaker Hanuman Beniwal highlighted issues such as unemployment and rising prices and called for the revocation of the Agnipath defense scheme. Additionally, he requested more time for smaller parties to participate in debates.
The government aims to advance six bills during this session, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, which seeks to facilitate the manufacturing sector in aviation to bolster the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Link to the X post made by PM Narendra Modi where he is seen addressing the parliament:
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1815249026633126382?t=rV42jwo1UEeO8LhkxN7Gtw&s=08
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