Congress MP P Chidambaram has expressed concerns regarding the Centre's decision to hold a special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18, questioning both its timing and the absence of consultation with opposition parties.
Speaking at a press conference in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram stated that the government communicated its decision via a letter dated March 26, to which the Congress responded on the same day by suggesting an all-party meeting be convened before the Parliament session. “Before calling for a Parliament session, it was suggested in the reply that an all-party meeting should be convened under the leadership of the Prime Minister to discuss the purpose of the session and what bills are to be introduced,” he said.
He noted that the Centre proceeded unilaterally despite these suggestions. “However, without considering these suggestions, information has come from Delhi that Parliament will indeed meet on April 16, 17, and 18,” he added.
Chidambaram also highlighted concerns over the sudden urgency regarding the 106th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was passed nearly 30 months ago. “After remaining silent on it for all this time, the government has now suddenly announced the convening of Parliament,” he stated.
The Congress leader referred to reports suggesting two significant legislative proposals may be introduced during the session, explaining, “The current strength of the Lok Sabha, which is 543 members, may be increased by 50%, raising it to 816. Reports suggest that a bill for this is likely to be introduced. The second is that a delimitation bill to redraw constituencies may also be brought forward.”
He added that these issues were not mentioned in the March 26 communication but were widely discussed in Delhi, expressing concern about the impact on states such as Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where elections are due.
“Elections in these states are scheduled for April 23, and in West Bengal also on April 29. These members will be actively engaged in election work,” he said, questioning how MPs could attend Parliament during this period.
“For example, how can a Member of Parliament from Sivaganga leave their constituency and travel to Delhi on April 16, 17, and 18, when the election date is set for April 23?” Chidambaram asked.
Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the decision, noting that opposition parties had unanimously sought an all-party meeting after April 29 due to ongoing election campaigns and the Model Code of Conduct.