In an unexpected move, the Narendra Modi government has called for a special session of Parliament, intensifying speculations about the possibility of early general elections. Sources suggest that this extraordinary session, scheduled from September 18 to 22, with five sittings, may witness discussions on key bills including ‘One Nation, One Election,’ the Uniform Civil Code, and women’s reservation.
The current term of the Modi government is set to conclude in May next year, making the timing of this session quite intriguing.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi announced the special session via the microblogging platform X. He noted that the Monsoon session had ended on August 11 and that the new session is a significant step forward. However, he did not specify whether the session would take place in the new or old Parliament building, leaving room for speculation.
This surprise announcement has sent ripples through political circles and further fuelled discussions about the likelihood of an early general election. Earlier this week, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her apprehensions, suggesting that the Lok Sabha elections might be held in December or January next year. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of opposition parties remaining united in the face of potential early elections.
Multiple theories are circulating regarding the reasoning behind the possibility of early elections. On one hand, the government is grappling with rising inflation, which poses a challenge for the ruling party. Additionally, initial indications from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have not been favourable for the BJP. Some speculate that the BJP aims to prevent the opposition alliance from gaining strength, prompting the idea of combining state and Lok Sabha elections.
However, a significant factor to consider is the impending inauguration of the newly constructed Ram temple in January, which holds significant political importance.
The announcement of the special session coincided with the commencement of the INDIA alliance meeting in Mumbai. Over two dozen parties opposed to the BJP are expected to attend this two-day brainstorming session. During these meetings, discussions will revolve around seat allocation for next year’s Lok Sabha elections and the finalization of other agendas. The meeting is set to conclude on September 1.
While the agenda for this special session remains unclear, it is anticipated that both houses of Parliament will deliberate on key bills such as the Uniform Civil Code, ‘One Nation One Election,’ women’s reservations, and the restoration of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, bills like the Insurance Amendment Bill might be considered. However, three bills related to criminal jurisprudence, currently with the Standing Committee, are unlikely to be discussed. The session is also expected to approve a special resolution regarding India’s Presidency in the G20.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 3rd September 2023
