Parliament – Congress Plans Strong Resistance to Key Bills During Monsoon Session
Parliament – The Congress has announced that it will challenge several major government proposals expected to come before Parliament during the Monsoon Session, beginning on July 20. The party has also indicated that it will work with other Opposition groups to resist constitutional amendment bills and other legislative measures that it believes require wider consultation and consensus.
The decision emerged after a high-level strategy meeting attended by senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and other senior members. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not currently have the two-thirds majority required in the Lok Sabha to pass constitutional amendment bills.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Delimitation Proposal
According to Ramesh, the Congress has received information suggesting that the Union government is considering bringing back the proposed Delimitation Bill during the upcoming Parliament session. He claimed that the government had earlier failed to secure the required numbers in the Lok Sabha when the issue was previously discussed and is now attempting to revive the proposal.
He also referred to another proposed constitutional amendment that relates to the removal of ministers and chief ministers from office for 30 days in cases involving serious criminal offences. The Congress believes such proposals deserve careful scrutiny before being considered for approval.
Congress Seeks Wider Opposition Coordination
Ramesh alleged that the ruling party was trying to improve its legislative numbers through political manoeuvring. He argued that securing a constitutional majority in such a manner would undermine democratic principles and weaken the spirit of the Constitution.
He said Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have been in contact with leaders of various Opposition parties that had earlier joined hands against the government’s delimitation proposal. According to him, the Congress remains committed to preserving Opposition unity on issues involving constitutional changes.
Stand on Other Bills Expected in Parliament
The party also reviewed several other legislative proposals that may be introduced during the Monsoon Session. Among them was the One Nation, One Election proposal, which is currently under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). While discussions on the subject took place during the meeting, the Congress reiterated its reservations over the proposal.
Ramesh further stated that the party intends to oppose the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill in its present form if it is tabled during the session. He said the Congress would also resist any attempt by the government to introduce amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Party Recalls Earlier Position on FCRA Amendments
The Congress leader noted that the party had opposed a similar FCRA amendment proposal in the past, after which the government withdrew the Bill. However, he said reports now suggest that the legislation could be reintroduced during the Monsoon Session, and the Congress would continue its earlier position against it.
Apart from legislative issues, the party also plans to question the government over allegations relating to the handling of donations associated with the Ram Mandir. Congress leaders indicated that this matter would also be raised during parliamentary proceedings as part of their broader strategy for the session.