NEW DELHI: The Central government will convene a special session of Parliament between September 18 and 22, where President Droupadi Murmu is likely to address both Houses in the new Parliament building, sources said on Thursday. The President, who was not present during the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28, which was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is likely to address both Houses in the new premises.
In a post on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Special Session would have five sittings, and amid Amrit Kaal (the Prime Minister’s description of the 25 years leading to 100 years of Independence), the government was looking forward to having fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament.
The Opposition said the sudden decision was meant to divert public attention from media reports exposing the Adani Group and the INDIA meeting.
The government has not revealed the agenda of the session, though sources said it could be related to the G-20 Summit and the events held to celebrate 75 years of Independence. Some say the session will be held in the new Parliament Building inaugurated in May. There is also the thinking that the government may bring in special Bills on long-pending issues such as women’s reservation in Parliament and the Assemblies.
Sources aware of the developments said that a discussion on the roadmap for the next 25 years is also likely to take place during the session. Congress and many major opposition parties had boycotted the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 this year in protest against the government’s decision to not ask President Droupadi Murmu to do the honour. The inauguration of the new Parliament building by the prime minister had taken place when the wrestlers’ agitation was at its peak. IANS