MPs Agree To Debate Over Constitution In Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Next Week Following Chaos In Parliament

All Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have agreed to hold a debate on the Constitution next week, following recent chaotic sessions on the matter.

The breakthrough was achieved today after an all-party meeting with the Speaker.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed reporters outside Parliament that the debate will take place on December 13 and 14 in the Lok Sabha, and on December 16 and 17 in the Rajya Sabha.

"It is not good to disrupt parliamentary proceedings. We appeal to all Opposition leaders to honour the agreement and ensure that Parliament functions smoothly from tomorrow," Rijiju stated.

The first session of Parliament's winter session began on November 25, but both houses were adjourned early due to disruptions. The session is scheduled to run until December 20.

Opposition parties had called for debates in both houses to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution's adoption by the Constituent Assembly.

Debate on Adani unlikely

However, there is little possibility of any specific discussion on the Adani issue, sources added, noting that opposition members may touch on it during other debates.

The Congress has been persistent in raising the issue of the indictment of US prosecutors of Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and other company officials on bribery and fraud charges. This coupled with vociferous opposition protests over matters such as the Sambhal violence and Manipur unrest have resulted in constant adjournments of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since the Winter Session began on November 25.

However, some other opposition parties, especially the TMC, have not attached the same priority to the Adani row and want Parliament to discuss a host of different issues, including unemployment, prise rise and the Centre's alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in fund allocation.

The TMC has skipped opposition meetings to formulate the INDIA bloc's joint strategy during the Session.

A TMC source said his party cannot be there just to stamp its approval on the Congress' agenda.

The Congress and many of its allies have also been vocal in targeting the ruling BJP for its alleged attack on the Congress under the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP on the other hand has projected the main opposition party as the principal violator of constitutional norms and spirit when it was in power, asserting that the Modi government has strengthened constitutional practices and principles during its over 10-year tenure.

Proceedings in both Houses were adjourned for yet another day on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues.

(With PTI inputs)