BJP, Congress issue whip for MPs to be present in parliament during special session

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress have issued whips to their MPs in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha asking them to be present in parliament during the special session from September 18 to 22. Reports said the whips were issued in view of some key agenda that may be brought in during the session.

"Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha during this special session i.e. from September 18 to 22, 2023. "All members of Congress party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11 am onwards till the adjournment of the House from September 18 to September 22 without fail and support the party's stand," the three-line whip states. This may be treated as most important," the Congress whip to its MPs said.

The government on Wednesday released the agenda for the special five-day session, which included a discussion on Parliament's journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha, Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, the Post Office Bill, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill. 

The Congress, however, believes there could be a "legislative grenade" up its sleeves that the government is keeping hidden.

"The agenda as published at the moment, is much ado about nothing all this could have waited till the Winter session in November. I am sure the legislative grenades are being kept up their sleeves to be unleashed at the last moment as usual. Parde ke peeche kuch aur hai!" Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.

Government has convened an all-party meeting on September 17, a day before the start of the special session. 

Last week, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking clarity on the agenda of the session. She had also listed out nine issues that the opposition parties wanted to discuss or debate on during the session.

Gandhi’s letter, however, elicited a strong retort from the government with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi accusing her of politicising the functioning of parliament and creating unnecessary controversy. Political parties are never consulted before calling a Parliament session, Joshi said in his letter to the Congress leader. 

It is also expected that the Parliament proceedings will move from the old building to the new one during this session.