Monsoon Session's Another Showdown Looms As Delimitation, FCRA Bills Take Centre Stage Amid Govt-Opposition Clash

Sanjay Mishra, New Delhi: Discussions between Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to break the Parliament deadlock over the alleged lathicharge on students and the alleged theft of offerings remained positive. However, both sides are still awaiting agreement on a concrete formula.

Rahul Gandhi told Kiren Rijiju, who had reached out to gauge the Congress's stand on the Delimitation Bill proposing an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats, that his party's position has remained unchanged. He asserted that not only the Congress, but the entire opposition was against the Bill in its present form.

Rahul To Meet INDIA Bloc Partners On Thursday

Party sources said that, sensing the government's intentions, Rahul Gandhi will discuss a joint strategy with leaders of INDIA bloc partners on Thursday. Following Rijiju's meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, speculation has intensified that the Monsoon Session, scheduled to conclude on August 13, could be adjourned early and reconvened after Independence Day to pass the Delimitation Bill.

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Rijiju-Rahul Meeting Lasted 50 Minutes

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present during the Parliamentary Affairs Minister's 50-minute meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi joined shortly afterwards. Venugopal said Rijiju had come with the government's agenda.

Opposition Firm On Amit Shah's Statement In Parliament

According to Venugopal, the meeting also included discussions on the Delimitation Bill, but "our position is clear. The entire opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha, and our stand remains unchanged. Our demands are clear—a discussion on the donation theft scandal and a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament on the attack on students."

Sources said that when Rijiju proposed a statement by the Home Minister during discussions on the FCRA Bill, the Congress leadership said it would first consult all opposition parties before responding. Against this backdrop, another meeting between Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi is likely on Friday. Venugopal also clarified that Rijiju did not propose extending the current Monsoon Session or convening a special session.

Second Meeting In 10 Days

This was the second meeting between Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi in the past 10 days. Sources said Rijiju had also spoken to Rahul Gandhi over the phone on Tuesday night before Wednesday's meeting. Following the talks, Congress sources said Rahul Gandhi will discuss the government's intentions regarding the FCRA and Delimitation Bills at a meeting of opposition leaders on Thursday morning.

The Congress leadership will also deliberate on a joint strategy with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and leaders of several other key opposition parties. Informal communication has also been initiated with the DMK.

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Congress Looks To Keep Opposition United

Congress believes that DMK chief MK Stalin, who described the Delimitation Bill as a "black law" in April, is unlikely to support it. The opposition camp will attempt to keep the DMK aligned through Stalin's close allies, including the Samajwadi Party, the Left parties and the Trinamool Congress.

Meanwhile, Rijiju is also expected to meet other opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav. Sources said he also discussed the reintroduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, but the Congress leadership gave no assurance on that issue either.