New Delhi: The second half of Budget Session of Parliament will resume on Monday. The Uttarakhand political crisis and drought issue are set to ensure that this session will also be a stormy one with opposition not missing an opportunity to corner the Narendra Modi government.
Ninety hours, that's precisely the time available for Parliamentarians over the next three weeks to discuss, debate and legislate in the House.
At the customary all-party meet called by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahanjan, Opposition made it apparent that first and foremost on its agenda was a discussion on the imposition of the President's Rule in Uttarakhand. Congress has already given a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking to move a resolution condemning Centre's move to dismiss Harish Rawat's government in the hill state.
"We want a discussion on the political crisis in Uttarakhand," said senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Congress is relying on support from regional parties in the Upper House where the government is short on numbers. The Upper House could provide them an opportunity to embarrass the ruling dispensation.
Apprehensive of the Opposition onslaught, government seems to be reluctant to take up the discussion till there is some clarity from the Supreme Court which will take up the matter on April 27.
"Uttarakhand issues is in Supreme Court. It shouldn't be discussed in Parliament," said MoS for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
At the same time treasury benches are preparing to engage Congress on Ishrat Jahan case. At least two MPs from the ruling dispensation have given notice to discuss the issue over the alleged fake encounter.
Sensing the onslaught, Congress has on the eve of the session demanded a time bound probe even as it alleged that moves were being made to influence those connected with the case.
"The then SIT had confirmed it was a fake encounter. Despite that, no one has been convicted yet," said Congress leader Kapil Sibal.
As for the legislative business, government in this session needs to pass the Finance Bill. There are demands for grants by various ministries.
"Finance bill is upcoming and various departments have raised issues," said Sumitra Mahajan.
In spite of political differences, there is a concern among all parties about the prevailing drought situation and drinking water shortage in the country. With consensus prevailing, both houses may take up the grave issue for discussion at the earliest.
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