New Delhi: The monsoon session of Parliament is set to begin on Thursday, with the opposition gearing up to challenge the government on key issues. Important issues like the ongoing caste violence in Manipur and the controversial Delhi Services Ordinance will be on the agenda of the session.
This session is the first parliamentary gathering since 26 opposition parties came together to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with the aim of countering the Modi government’s policies.
Opposition parties raised concerns over Manipur violence, atrocities against Dalits and women and alleged misuse of central investigative agencies like ED and CBI during an all-party meeting called by the government on Wednesday. The Congress is planning to bring an adjournment motion to discuss the situation in Manipur.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “We want to bring an adjournment motion for discussion tomorrow as the situation in Manipur is deteriorating.” He also expressed concern over the India-China border tension, floods in parts of north India and the Balasore train accident and sought a debate on these issues as well.
Chaudhary questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the Manipur violence and urged him to raise the issue in Parliament. Other issues highlighted by the Congress during the meeting included concerns over unemployment, rising prices and attacks on the federal structure.
The Delhi Services Ordinance brought in by the Center in May is expected to trigger a confrontation between the government and the opposition. Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposes the ordinance, as it undermines a Supreme Court judgment that gave control over service matters to the elected government in Delhi.
The Ordinance aims to set up a National Capital Civil Services Authority by making changes in the transfer and disciplinary proceedings of Group-A officers of DANICS cadre. Earlier, all transfers and postings of officers in the Delhi government were under the executive control of the Lieutenant Governor until the Supreme Court’s decision on May 11.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh also attended the all-party meeting and expressed strong opposition to the ordinance terming it as a threat to India’s federal structure.
“The most unfortunate thing is that the bill which destroys the federal structure of India is at the top. We will strongly oppose the black ordinance.
