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Political pundits believe that Gandhi’s letter has set the stage for a stormy session
NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of creating “unnecessary controversy” over the upcoming special parliament session.
He was responding to Gandhi’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing her concerns over the convening of the five-day special session without prior consultation with opposition leaders.
In a letter to the former Congress president, Joshi said: “It is extremely unfortunate that you are trying to politicize the functioning of Parliament, the temple of our democracy, and create unnecessary controversy where there is none.”
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The BJP leader elucidated the procedural aspects that led to the convening of this special session. “As you are well aware, Parliament sessions are regularly held in accordance with the constitutional mandate outlined in Article 85. This article stipulates that ‘the President shall, from time to time, convene each House of Parliament at such time and place as he may appoint’,” he explained.
“The call for a session is made at the President’s discretion, ensuring there is no gap of six months between the last meeting of one session and the date fixed for the first meeting of the next session,” Joshi further said, adding that the government followed a well-established procedure.
On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi, in her capacity as the Congress parliamentary party chairperson, had written to PM Modi, seeking insights into the government’s agenda for the impending special session.
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She remarked, “Perhaps you do not observe established traditions. Neither discussions with political parties nor the deliberation of issues occurs before the summons for a Parliament session. Following the President’s call for the session, leaders from all political parties convene to discuss the parliamentary agenda and relevant matters.”
In her letter, Gandhi also listed nine issues to be raised during the special session, expressing her desire for meaningful discussions.
The special parliamentary session would be held between September 18 and September 22.
