The winter session of parliament is expected to begin on a stormy note with contentious issues in focus, even as it was preceded by a tense all-party meeting on Sunday with the AAP staging a walkout. Opposition parties criticised the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was unable to attend the meeting.
The first day of the winter session could see discussion and debate over MSP and power bills for farmers, as well as compensation for those who died of Covid-19. The opposition is also planning to corner the government over Pegasus, China’s aggression and rising fuel prices. The bill to repeal the three contentious farm laws will also be introduced on the day.
The ruling BJP and main opposition party Congress have issued whips to their MPs to be present on the day. “The government is is ready for discussion and debate on any topic (in the winter session of parliament). There should be positive discussions,” said minister of state for parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The winter session will go on till December 23 with 20 sittings amid strict Covid-19 protocols. It is likely to witness the introduction of 26 bills, including major ones regarding cryptocurrency regulation, data protection, extension of tenure of ED and CBI directors for up to five years among others.
With the opposition poised to attack the Centre on different issues, it may not just be pandemonium inside. Outside, too, it will be a charged atmosphere with a section of farmer leaders planning a march to parliament. The timing of the winter session coincides with the first anniversary of the farmers’ protests.
With inputs from News18
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