Special Session Of Parliament: What's On Agenda?

India's political landscape is buzzing with anticipation following the government's declaration of a special session of Parliament set to take place from September 18 to September 22.

On August 31, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, made this announcement, yet details regarding the session's agenda remain scant. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he announced, "A special session of Parliament, the 13th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha, and the 261st Session of Rajya Sabha, is scheduled from September 18th to September 22nd, comprising five sittings. During this auspicious period, we look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and debates in Parliament."

This decision has taken many by surprise. The opposition coalition, INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), has referred to it as a "manipulation of the news cycle, Modi-style," suggesting it might be an attempt to divert attention or harbor hidden intentions.

While the specific agenda for the five sittings remains undisclosed, there is rampant speculation about the government's potential moves. Some speculate that the government might introduce bills concerning issues such as 'One Nation, One Election,' the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), women's reservation, or even a resolution to rename India as Bharat. There are even murmurs about the dissolution of Parliament and the possibility of early elections.

The Call for a Special Session

Just a month after the conclusion of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Central government has summoned a special session.

During the recently concluded session, Lok Sabha saw the introduction of 20 bills, while Rajya Sabha saw five. Records indicate that Lok Sabha passed 22 bills, and the Upper House passed 25.

Sources have informed the news agency IANS that the special session, commencing on September 18th, will not include Question Hour, Zero Hour, or private member business.

Additionally, it has been mentioned that while the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs (CCPA) made the decision to convene the special session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu will issue the summoning orders upon her return from Chhattisgarh.

The Agenda for the Special Parliament Session

Although the government has maintained secrecy regarding the session's agenda, it has sparked a flurry of speculation and rumors. Some believe that the government may bring forward discussions on renaming India as Bharat during this special session.

Others hold different theories. Many speculate that the special session has been convened with the intention of advancing Lok Sabha elections to December, aligning them with upcoming assembly elections.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed that the Modi government might call for early elections due to concerns about the opposition's INDIA bloc.

Some have noted that the timing of the announcement coincides with government discussions about the possibility of advancing Lok Sabha elections from April-May to coincide with elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram.

Sources have also informed The Times of India (OI) that this move could make political sense for the BJP.

Another rumor circulating is that the government aims to introduce three significant bills: "One Nation, One Election," the Uniform Civil Code, and Women's Reservation.

Political experts suggest that the government is particularly interested in advancing the "One Nation, One Election" bill, which proposes simultaneous general and state elections. While this idea has been proposed by opposition parties in the past, Prime Minister Modi has endorsed it.

In 2020, PM Modi advocated for a single voters' list for Lok Sabha, assembly, and panchayat polls on Constitution Day, arguing that separate lists waste resources. He emphasized that national interest should guide decisions, and the three branches of government should coordinate better.

The "One Nation, One Election" bill also received support from Home Minister Amit Shah. In a February interview with ANI, he stated that "the time has come" to consider the proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' and raised concerns that separate elections are not conducive to a democratic country.

Some believe that the session might also witness the introduction of legislation for the Uniform Civil Code. This code aims to replace personal laws based on religion, customs, and traditions with a single common law for all, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, sexual orientation, and gender. The BJP has advocated for this legislation for some time, and it was part of their 2019 election manifesto.

However, a leader from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), speaking to LiveMint, dismissed the possibility of introducing a Uniform Civil Code bill, saying, "There is no plan whatsoever to bring a UCC bill now."

Reports also suggest that the Women's Reservation Bill, which proposes 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, might be introduced in Parliament. This bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2010 but faced a hurdle in the Lower House.

Opposition Questions the Special Session

The Central government's call for a special session of Parliament has drawn reactions from politicians across the spectrum. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress suggested that it reflects panic within the Modi government, particularly regarding matters related to the Adani Group, which he claimed make the Prime Minister uncomfortable.

During a press conference on August 31st, Rahul Gandhi remarked, "I believe it might be a sign of slight unease-a familiar unease that arose when I addressed the Parliament House, prompting the abrupt revocation of my parliamentary membership. Thus, I interpret it as a form of unease because these issues hit very close to the Prime Minister. Whenever you delve into Adani-related matters, it appears to make the PM distinctly uneasy and jittery."

The Congress also raised questions about the timing of the session. Spokesperson Jairam Ramesh suggested that it might be an attempt to divert attention from the Adani scandal.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi told The Indian Express, "It is typical over-dramatics. You don't share the agenda when a Parliament session is announced, keep people guessing; set the agenda through leaks; minimise notice period and opportunity; and never discuss nitty gritties where both god and devil reside...these are the hallmark characteristics of the BJP-NDA Modi government."

However, the government's decision has left the opposition bloc uneasy, as they suspect that there may be hidden motives behind it.

It remains to be seen what unfolds next. The last time Parliament met outside its regular sessions was on June 30, 2017, at midnight, to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, that was a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, not a full-fledged session.