Bracing for a stormy monsoon session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a meeting of all constituents of the National Democratic Alliance on Monday. Parliament convenes on Tuesday.
The meeting is to form a counter strategy on issues such as the Vyapam scam, Lalitgate and the Land Bill, which are in the crosshairs of the Opposition and much firework can be expected.
The session will get especially difficult for the Government in the Rajya Sabha where it is in minority and where key Bills such as the Land Acquisition and the GST legislation are stuck.
According to sources, a word was sent to all the NDA member-parties about the Monday meeting. Independently, various Ministers have been meeting Modi.
Besides senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Sushma Swaraj, BJP President Amit Shah also met Modi. Shah had met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ahead of meeting Modi.
Active Opposition Equally busy has been the Opposition, which is planning action both in and out of Parliament.
The Congress is already holding protests across the country on issues such as Vyapam, Lalitgate and the alleged chikki scam in Maharashtra. Congress’ arms are also gearing up for a battle. The Mahila Congress will hold a dharna on Tuesday against the policies of the Modi Government.
The Youth Congress is planning protests during the session in front of Parliament.
“We already had massive protests in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh against corruption by BJP leaders. During the session, we are planning to take it forward by raising issues against the Union government,” Congress spokesperson PC Chacko said.
The Left parties are also gearing up with various programmes. On Monday, six Left parties are jointly holding a protest march at Jantar Mantar against corruption issues. From August 1 to 14, the CPI(M) is organising nation-wide protests against the Centre’s economic policies.
The Aam Aadmi Party, already on a collision course with the Centre, will continue its protests demanding full statehood to Delhi.
Besides political parties, farmers’ outfits, trade unions and civil society organisations have also sought the permission of the Delhi Police for holding protests during the monsoon session. Farmers’ organisations are holding a public hearing on land acquisition on July 23. A protest rally of farmers’ groups will be held on July 24.