New Delhi, July 19: A high drama unfolded at the all party meeting convened by the Centre ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Sunday, with several opposition parties walking out over the participation of rebel Trinamool Congress MPs.
The meeting, chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was held to seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament, which begins on Monday.
Opposition Protests Presence Of Rebel MPs
Leaders of the INDIA bloc objected to the invitation extended to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs. They also opposed the special seating arrangements reportedly made for them in the Lok Sabha.
The opposition argued that the recognition of the rebel MPs was inappropriate while disqualification petitions against them are still pending before the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Opposition leaders also raised concerns over the issue of the merger of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs during the meeting.
Following the protest, leaders of several opposition parties walked out of the meeting.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said all opposition parties jointly staged the walkout to protest the Speaker’s decisions.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas also criticised the invitation extended to the rebel Trinamool Congress MPs, calling it contrary to democratic principles.
The Centre had convened the meeting to build consensus on the legislative business scheduled for the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
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