Govt calls for special Parliamentary session on Sept 18-22, sparks buzz
New Delhi, August 31: The resounding announcement from union parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi via X, formerly Twitter, heralded a special session of Parliament slated to unfold between September 18 and 22, encompassing five distinct sittings.
In a succinct message, Joshi expressed his eagerness for productive discussions and debates during this period, coinciding with the "Amrit Kaal" or auspicious period. While the government is yet to unveil the session's agenda, the decision to organise this session comes on the heels of the culmination of Parliament's monsoon session on August 11, spanning 17 intensive sittings.
Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament.
ಸಂಸತ್ತಿನ ವಿಶೇಷ ಅಧಿವೇಶನವನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/k5J2PA1wv2 — Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) August 31, 2023
Clarifying the procedural chain, an official elucidated, "The government has the prerogative of calling the session. Since the government has decided to call a special session, it has made a formal announcement today. The agenda will also be subsequently announced." The constitution of a Parliament session falls within the domain of the government's discretion, dictated by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
No consultation with Opposition, no agenda known, no message from the Speaker or the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
The Lord has summoned us all to be present in Parliament from 18th to 22nd September!
Only a detective or astrologer can tell us — what next!https://t.co/wxlgOgamrB — Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) August 31, 2023
Regarding the potential introduction of urgent bills during this special session, the aforementioned official refrained from making any statement.
A senior official from the ministry of parliamentary affairs revealed that the agenda for the special session is poised for finalization in the coming week. Expectations are rife that it will encompass "a discussion on a key issue and a few bills."
Quashing speculation, a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) insider dismissed the idea of introducing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during this session. Speaking anonymously, the source stated, "There is no plan whatsoever to bring a UCC bill now."
#WATCH| Mumbai: "In the history of the parliament, no session has taken place during a festival. During the days the Ganpati festival is celebrated, they have kept the sessions. This is their Hindutva," says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant on the parliament special session. pic.twitter.com/NR9XvAlgKu — ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2023
History reveals that special sessions of Parliament are rare but notable occurrences. Notable instances include a brief special session of Rajya Sabha in February 1977 for the extension of President's Rule in Tamil Nadu and Nagaland under Article 356(4), and a two-day session in June 1991 for the approval of President's Rule in Haryana, under Article 356(3).
Managing the News Cycle, Modi style.
1. News today has been dominated by latest revelations on the Modani-scam.
2. Tomorrow the ever-growing INDIA parties meet in Mumbai.
How to counter?
Announce a 5-day special session of Parliament when Monsoon session has just ended 3… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 31, 2023
Throughout various administrations, special sittings have been summoned to commemorate Constitution Day, Quit India Movement, and other significant occasions. A case in point is the special session of Lok Sabha called in July 2008 during the UPA era for a trust vote following the withdrawal of support from the Manmohan Singh government by the Left parties.
In 2017, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral put forth a private member Bill suggesting the introduction of an extra special session, aimed at offsetting unutilised hours due to disruptions, supplementing the existing three sessions.
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- With inputs from agencies
