Several Opposition parties on Sunday staged a symbolic walkout from the all-party meeting convened ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, protesting the invitation extended to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who have formed the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
The Opposition also objected to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s decision to allot separate seating to the rebel TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha. Leaders further raised concerns over the Speaker’s decision to allow rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to merge with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
After briefly walking out to register their protest, the Opposition leaders returned to the meeting and participated in the proceedings.
“Today, the entire Opposition, including Congress, the Samajwadi Party, DMK, JMM, Aam Aadmi Party, National Conference, Left parties and Shiv Sena (UBT), walked out of the all-party meeting in protest because the so-called NCPI is an unrecognised party,” Moitra said.
Questioning the basis for inviting the rebel MPs, Moitra argued that their merger with the NCPI had not been approved and that disqualification petitions against them were still pending.
“The strength of the All India Trinamool Congress in the list provided by the Table Office is shown as 28 members. The merger of these 20 rebel MPs has not been approved by the Speaker, and the disqualification petitions are still pending. After the 91st Constitutional Amendment, there is no provision for a separate bloc. On what grounds were these MPs invited to the all-party meeting?” she asked.
Earlier in the day, Moitra also criticised the Speaker’s decision to allot separate seating to the rebel MPs, maintaining that no formal merger had taken place.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition’s walkout was intended to protest the Speaker’s decisions concerning the rebel TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers.
“Opposition decided to walk out of the all-party meeting to protest the Speaker’s decision on the rebel MPs of TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT),” Tiwari told reporters at the Parliament House complex.
CPI(M) leader John Brittas described the invitation to the rebel TMC MPs as a “miscarriage of justice.”
On Saturday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju invited Sudip Bandyopadhyay, leader of the breakaway TMC faction, to the customary all-party meeting, stating that he and 19 other MPs had joined the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
The same day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved separate seating arrangements for the 20 rebel TMC lawmakers. However, sources said no final decision has been taken on their request for formal recognition as the NCPI in the Lok Sabha, and the matter remains under consideration.
The Trinamool Congress has sought the disqualification of the rebel MPs.
The all-party meeting is traditionally held before every Parliament session to discuss the government’s legislative agenda and seek cooperation from political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses.
