New Delhi, India: In an unexpected turn of events, the government has announced a special session of the Parliament scheduled to take place from September 18 to September 22. The rationale behind this move remains undisclosed, leaving room for speculations and conjecture. This unusual session will comprise five sittings, with the agenda yet to be unveiled.
While the specific focus of the session remains ambiguous, there are discussions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and official circles hinting at potential significant actions. Notable possibilities include initiating the process for implementing simultaneous elections across the nation or deliberating the Women’s Reservation Bill.
However, conflicting viewpoints have emerged within the government. Some perceive electoral advantages in these potential endeavors, while others dismiss them as improbable agenda items for a special session. This skepticism is rooted in the current political landscape, characterized by opposition unity and resistance towards aiding the government in pushing through major legislation.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi shared the government’s decision via Twitter, expressing anticipation for constructive discussions and debates during the session. While details of the session agenda are tightly guarded by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the forthcoming session may convene within the newly inaugurated Parliament House building.
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
The five-day session follows the G20 Summit, scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi. This session is anticipated to serve as an opportunity for the government to showcase its achievements across various sectors, including hosting the global summit and the recent Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission.
Sources have intimated that the Winter Session of Parliament, typically held in November-December, might experience a delay due to upcoming state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram. The special session potentially aligns with the government’s strategy to project its accomplishments ahead of these state polls.
This unique session serves a dual purpose, catering to both domestic and international arenas. It’s projected to bolster the government’s image as an agent of transformative change for the nation. This move aligns with the precedent set by the 1997 special session convened during the golden jubilee of Independence Day, and it will also establish the tone for the forthcoming P20 summit scheduled for October, a meeting of Parliamentary Speakers from G20 countries.
The government’s prior special sessions have historically marked crucial legislative milestones. In 2017, a special session celebrated the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Additionally, sessions have been convened for significant commemorations such as paying tribute to the Constitution and Dr. B R Ambedkar, marking the 50th anniversary of the ‘Quit India Movement,’ and addressing critical legislative needs when the majority wasn’t present in Rajya Sabha.
As the announcement coincided with the Opposition’s meeting in Mumbai, some political leaders speculate that the government’s move could serve as a countermeasure. However, senior BJP members have also suggested that the special session agenda could potentially fragment the opposition. Initiatives like simultaneous elections and the Women’s Reservation Bill might split major opposition parties, adding a layer of intrigue to this upcoming parliamentary endeavor.
