In a significant political development, 24 parties affiliated with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have officially declared their participation in the upcoming special session of Parliament, commencing on September 18. This decision was reached during a meeting of the floor leaders from the INDIA alliance parties, convened at the residence of Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, in Delhi on Monday evening.
The agenda for the special Parliament session, which has not been publicly disclosed, was also finalized during this pivotal meeting. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, will be entrusted with the task of articulating the issues on behalf of the INDIA bloc to be presented in a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This development follows recent controversies surrounding the use of the term “President of Bharat” in G20 dinner invitations, sparking speculations about a potential renaming of the country. The Opposition has voiced concerns and called for transparency regarding the objectives of the special parliamentary session.
Congress Expresses Dissatisfaction
The Congress party, in particular, has expressed its dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived lack of transparency regarding the forthcoming session. Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Gaurav Gogoi conveyed their concerns in a strongly worded statement, outlining the critical issues they intend to address during the session.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that they are eager for substantive discussions and not just ceremonial proceedings. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues concerning the welfare of the people.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, echoing these sentiments, questioned the rationale behind the special parliamentary session, which has been called without a clear explanation from the Central government. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the session’s purpose.
As the nation awaits further developments in this parliamentary session, it underscores the critical role of the opposition in holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency in political proceedings.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Stands Firm on Controversial Statement
In a separate development, Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has remained steadfast in his controversial statement advocating the eradication of Sanatana Dharma, citing social discrimination as a prime example. Udhayanidhi Stalin cited the non-invitation of President Droupadi Murmu to the inauguration of the new Parliament as a stark illustration of ongoing social discrimination.
Despite facing widespread opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin reaffirmed his stance on the matter, emphasizing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s position on Sanatana Dharma. He expressed his commitment to raising awareness about caste discrimination across all religions.
Shashi Tharoor Recalls Government’s Past Stance on India’s Name
Amid the ongoing debate surrounding the potential renaming of India to ‘Bharat,’ Congress Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has referred to a 2015 incident when the government, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL), conveyed to the Supreme Court that there was no need to change the country’s name. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated, “There is no change in circumstances to consider any changes in Article 1 of the Constitution of India,” emphasizing the constitutional recognition of both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ as official names.
Shashi Tharoor, while sharing this historical context, expressed his alignment with the government’s past stance on the matter. He urged the government not to abandon the name ‘India,’ which holds significant brand value and global recognition. Tharoor also referenced the objections raised by Pakistan’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to the name ‘India,’ noting the historical context of these debates.
These developments signify the ongoing discourse surrounding the nation’s identity, nomenclature, and the role of political forces in shaping these discussions.
