While the BJP-led NDA is preparing to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill and the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and consolidate its position for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Opposition, which collectively defeated the key legislation in the last session, is tackling multiple roadblocks
Having faced mass defections and internal revolts over the past three months since the last session of Parliament, when they united with the Congress to defeat the key legislative package linked to 33 % Women reservation in the Lok Sabha, parties such as the Trinamool Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are no longer in a position to back the INDIA bloc if it needs to block any major legislative move by the Narendra Modi government.
The government has a heavy legislative agenda, and several significant Bills are expected to be taken up during the upcoming session.
But in the past three months, as many as 20 TMC MPs and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have rebelled, reducing the strength of the opposition MPs.
The DMK too is upset because the Congress chose to form an alliance with actor-politician Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu despite contesting the assembly elections with it. The DMK leaders have called it a betrayal, leading to a demand for separate seating in the Lok Sabha.
To make up for lack of numbers in the Lok Sabha, the BJP has already intensified outreach to regional and Opposition parties, particularly the DMK and the NCP (Sharad Pawar).
These fractures are expected to alter not only the parliamentary voting dynamics but also the seating arrangements in the House, shifting the balance of power in the government’s favour, say observers.
Dismissing speculations regarding issues within the INDIA bloc, Congress leaders say everything is on track and there a coordinated floor strategy is in place for the session beginning Monday.
The plan is to coordinate its protests around several key issues. While the government is also expected to bring the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill—which proposes the automatic removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers and Union Ministers if they remain in judicial custody for more than 30 days—the Opposition intends to corner the government over issues such as the NEET examination controversy, soaring inflation and rising unemployment.