Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday raised concerns over the timing and conduct of the Centre’s upcoming special session of Parliament, accusing the government of bypassing democratic norms by proceeding without adequate consultation or transparency.
In a statement, Ramesh pointed out that the session is scheduled to begin on April 16, coinciding with peak election campaigning in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He said the overlap has raised questions about the government’s priorities and intent.
“The special session of Parliament will begin the day after tomorrow, on April 16, when election campaigning in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be at its peak,” he said. He added that the Centre had declined the Opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the elections.
“The Modi government has rejected the Opposition’s reasonable and legitimate request to convene an all-party meeting after the elections are completed,” he noted, pointing out that the suggested delay would have been limited to about fifteen days.
Ramesh also alleged that Members of Parliament had not been provided access to the proposed constitutional amendment bills ahead of the session. “As of this morning, the Modi government has not shared with MPs the Constitution Amendment Bill(s) they are expected to debate and vote on,” he said, describing the situation as a “complete mockery of democracy.”
Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader accused the government of adopting a “bulldozer mentality,” claiming that crucial legislative decisions were being pushed through without adequate deliberation or consensus.
The special session has been convened amid heightened political activity, with expectations that key legislative measures, including constitutional amendments, may be introduced. Opposition parties have been pressing for greater clarity on the agenda and more time for consultation, arguing that such significant proposals warrant broader discussion and consensus across the political spectrum.