Congress leader Sonia Gandhi writes to PM on Parliament ‘Special Session’
· Seeks debate on 9 issues; economy, farmers, Adani, Chinese occupation
· Expresses willingness to participate in session
NEW DELHI, September 6:
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi today wrote to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the special five-day session of the Parliament seeking debate on nine pressing issues facing the country.
These include economic situation like backbreaking inflation, unemployment, commitment to farmers for law on MSP guarantee, Chinese occupation of Indian territory, caste census, threat to federal structure and other issues.
While pointing out that the session was being convened without any consultation with other political parties, Ms Gandhi expressed the willingness of the opposition to participate (in the session) hoping time will be allocated for discussion on these issues.
“I must point out that this Special Session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for Government Business”, she wrote in her letter to the PM, adding, “we most certainly want to participate in the Special Session because it will give us an opportunity to raise matters of public concern and importance”.
“I earnestly hope that time will be allocated under the appropriate Rules for a discussion and debate on these issues”, the CPP Chairperson said and added, I hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming Special Session”.
She demanded discussion on the current economic situation with focus on increasing price rise of essential commodities, growing unemployment, rise in inequalities and distress of MSMEs.
The CPP Chairperson mentioned the need for discussion on continued occupation of Indian territory by China and challenges to our sovereignty on our borders in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
Ms Gandhi referred to the commitment made by the Government of India to farmers and farm organisations in regard to MSP and other demands raised by them.
She reiterated the demand for a JPC to investigate the transaction of the Adani business group in light of all revelations.
She said the continued agony faced by people of Manipur and breakdown of constitutional machinery and social harmony in the state also need to be discussed in the special session.
Among other issues raised by Ms Gandhi in her letter, include rise in communal tension in different states like Haryana, urgent need for a Caste Census, impact of natural disasters caused by extreme floods in some states and droughts in others.
