The government has called for an all-party meeting on the eve of the special five-day parliament session which will convene on the September 18. The government is likely to table the bill on the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners. The other bills that might be tabled for consideration also include the post office bill, the repealing and amending bill among others.

Sources say the government is likely to bring up a resolution on the success of G20 and the Chandrayaan mission. However, there has been no decision on bringing a bill to rename India to 'Bharat'. Sources have said that such a move would require an amendment.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, RP Singh, the spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasised the significance of showcasing India's 75-year journey of democracy during the special parliament session. He also stressed the importance of discussing pending bills and engaging in dialogue with all political parties, highlighting the essence of parliamentary democracy.

He further stated, “The main thrust will be on 75 years and along with which the pending bills, which can be discussed, are there in offing. If there's anything else that could be discussed with all parties in the all-party meet. That is how parliamentary democracy works. I mean, just before the parliament session all-party meets happen, and in that everything is discussed.”

On the other hand, Sujata Paul, the spokesperson of the Indian National Congress (INC), expressed reservations about the bill concerning the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

She said, “This particular bill is contentious, and the government needs to explain why it is in a hurry to appoint one single person who the honourable Supreme Court has also ruled has been an illegal appointment. So, it is obviously going to influence the upcoming elections. Why is the government in such a hurry for all these things? All these five bills could have been taken up, even in the November session. So why is this hurry? Is it to influence the assembly elections which will happen before that? So, the government needs to explain that.”

She raised concerns about the government's urgency in this matter, particularly in light of previous legal judgments. Paul urged the government to provide a clear explanation for the timing of this bill and warned that the opposition would hold the government accountable for its actions.

Paul added, “The running of the house is the responsibility of the government, there being a trust deficit if the government decides that they want to spring some surprises during this special session, they must remember that this is an opposition which is going to come down full force on them to make sure that they are accountable to the people of the country.”

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First Published:Sept 14, 2023 7:31 PM IST