Extending Parliament session beyond July 26 by 10 days is under active consideration of the Government with around 10 Bills pending in the Lok Sabha and about 15 in the Rajya Sabha even as Opposition parties have reservations over the move saying MPs would want to go back to their constituencies. A final decision on the issue will be taken this week.
The issue came up in the parliamentary party meeting which, among others, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President and union home minister Amit Shah with the latter informing party MPs that they should be ready for an extended Parliament. Shah is understood to have told that more days were needed to complete the legislative business which also includes passing of the controversial triple talaq bill which has been introduced afresh in the Lok Sabha.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters after the meeting, “There is a possibility of this. You will be officially conveyed when a decision is taken.”
Opposition parties have conveyed their disapproval of the idea to the government. Congress’ chief whip in Lok Sabha K Suresh said his party is “strongly against” any extension.
The session, which started on June 17, is scheduled to end on July 26.
In the meeting, the theme of ‘Har ghar jal’ figured prominently with Rs Jal ShaktiRs Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat giving a detailed presentation on the matter, Joshi said. MPs were asked to spread awareness about water conservation and a healthy competition among states would be welcomed, the minister said.
Prime Minister also stressed on the water conservation and sought MPs to work on it in their respective constituencies.
Shah spoke on the matter and also briefed MPs about the 150-km foot march Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked them to undertake to mark 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.