Special Parliament Session Day 1: 'Short in duration, grand in significance', says PM Modi

Special Parliament Session Day 1: The special session of Parliament is set to commence on September 18, sparking anticipation and speculations regarding its agenda. The first day of the session will commemorate the 75-year journey of the Constituent Assembly's formation. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will discuss the achievements, experiences, memories, and learnings from the past 75 years.

During an all-party meeting preceding the session, leaders from various political backgrounds advocated for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill. Some opposition parties raised concerns about the timing of the session and noted that the circulated agenda did not specify it as a special session.

The government has provided a tentative list of legislative business items, including the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023, the Post Office Bill, 2023, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023.

Prior to the special session's commencement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's recent achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He urged opposition parties to utilize the short session effectively and stated that there would be ample time for criticism later.

AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a whip to all its MPs in the Rajya Sabha, requesting their presence in the house during the upcoming special session. The party noted that crucial issues would be discussed during this session, and members were asked to be present from 11 AM onwards daily, starting from September 18 to September 22, 2023, to support the party's stance.

Attendance at the all-party meeting

The all-party meeting held in the Parliament Library building saw the participation of various ministers, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who serves as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and 51 leaders from 34 political parties.

Schedule for tomorrow: Photo session and function

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the schedule for the following day, September 19, 2023. There will be a photo session from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by a function in the Central Hall starting at 11:00 AM. The event will be attended by prominent figures, including the Vice-President/Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, the Leader of the Largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha, and the Members of both Houses of Parliament.

TDP's appeal regarding Chandrababu Naidu's arrest

During the all-party meeting, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) raised concerns about the arrest of N Chandrababu Naidu by the Andhra Pradesh government, leading to a heated discussion between TDP and YSR Congress members. Ram Mohan Naidu from the TDP called for the Central government's intervention in Chandrababu's arrest and the protection of democracy in the state. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the issue and emphasized maintaining the dignity of the all-party meeting.

Congress MP's critique of the 5-day session

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticized the government's decision to convene a 5-day session of Parliament, labeling it a "regular one." He expressed disappointment that members were not allowed to speak during Question Hour and Zero Hour. Chowdhury questioned the government's motive behind calling an "off-season" session, suggesting that it resembled a routine session and accused the government of depriving members of their speaking opportunities during crucial parliamentary hours.

Also Read: Special Parliamentary Session: Celebrating India@75 with key insights