The countdown to the Monsoon Session of the Parliament has begun, and the Centre is pulling out all the stops to ensure a smooth and productive session. In a bid to set the tone for the upcoming session, the Centre has announced an all-party meet on July 19, barely a week before the monsoon session is set to begin. The opposition, sensing an opportunity to corner the government on key issues, is gearing up for a showdown in the Parliament.
First Section: Thawing Relations or a Battle Line?
The all-party meet, a rare occurrence in the Parliament, is seen as a tentative step towards thawing relations between the Centre and the opposition. The meeting is expected to be attended by leaders from all major political parties, including the Congress, the BJP, and regional outfits. The Centre is hoping that this meeting will provide an opportunity to clear the air and address outstanding issues, paving the way for a more productive session.
However, the opposition is not convinced. With the government facing flak over a range of issues, including the economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opposition is keen to corner the government on these very issues. Leaders of the opposition parties have been meeting in secret, strategizing on how to best utilize the Monsoon Session to press their demands.
Second Section: Key Issues to Watch Out For
The Monsoon Session is expected to be a crowded one, with several key issues up for discussion. The Centre is likely to push for the passage of key bills, including those related to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, the opposition is planning to raise a series of questions on the government’s handling of the economy, including the impact of the lockdown on small businesses and the plight of migrant workers.
The opposition is also expected to corner the government on the issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). With several states yet to implement the NRC, and protests against the CAA continuing unabated, the opposition is keen to keep the pressure on the Centre to address these contentious issues.
Third Section: A Battle of Wits?
The Monsoon Session promises to be a battle of wits between the Centre and the opposition. With both sides dug in, the session is likely to be marked by a series of heated debates, acrimonious exchanges, and perhaps even the occasional walkout. The government will need to tread carefully, lest it finds itself on the back foot on key issues.
As the country watches with bated breath, the real question is: will the Centre be able to navigate the choppy waters of the Monsoon Session with ease, or will the opposition manage to corner it on its key issues? Only time will tell.
