News Analysis India

Tag: All party meeting

  • Govt calls all-party meeting on July 19 prior to Monsoon session

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: With the monsoon session of Parliament set to commence on July 20, the government has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday.

    The meeting, which is a customary practice prior to the commencement of a Parliament session, is likely to deliberate on a host of issues related to the monsoon session.

    While the government is expected to seek opposition’s cooperation for the smooth operation of the session, protests over the violence in Manipur, Delhi ordinance and a host of other issues is expected by the Congress-led opposition.

    Meanwhile, a similar all-party meeting called on Tuesday by Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar was deferred due to non-availability of leaders of many parties.

    While opposition parties are holding a meeting in Bengaluru, the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is meeting in the national capital.

    NEW DELHI: With the monsoon session of Parliament set to commence on July 20, the government has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday.

    The meeting, which is a customary practice prior to the commencement of a Parliament session, is likely to deliberate on a host of issues related to the monsoon session.

    While the government is expected to seek opposition’s cooperation for the smooth operation of the session, protests over the violence in Manipur, Delhi ordinance and a host of other issues is expected by the Congress-led opposition.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Meanwhile, a similar all-party meeting called on Tuesday by Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar was deferred due to non-availability of leaders of many parties.

    While opposition parties are holding a meeting in Bengaluru, the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is meeting in the national capital.

  • All-party meet: Opposition demands discussions on inflation, Sino-India stand-off

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Price rise, unemployment and the situation at the Sino-India border were among the issues Opposition parties demanded discussions on during the all-party meeting on Tuesday.

    Leaders from more than 30 parties attended the meeting convened by the central government to discuss the legislative agenda and the issues likely to be taken up during the Winter Session of Parliament that begins on December 7.

    The meeting was chaired by the Union minister and deputy leader of the BJP in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh.

    Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were also present.

    Talking to reporters after the meeting, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “There are so many issues before the country, such as unemployment and price rise, and the government owes an answer to the people.”

    Chowdhury alleged that the government did not “properly” inform the Opposition about the stand-off at the Sino-India border.

    “In the House, we demand a discussion on it and also on the killings of Kashmiri Pandits,” he added.

    Congress leader Naseer Hussain demanded discussions on the appointment of the Election Commissioner in just one day and the Economically Weaker Section quota.

    Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said he, along with party colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, sought discussions on price rise, unemployment, alleged misuse of agencies and economic blockade of states.

    O’Brien also told the government that the Opposition should be allowed to raise issues of importance.

    The Winter Session will last till December 29, with 17 sittings over 23 days.

    NEW DELHI: Price rise, unemployment and the situation at the Sino-India border were among the issues Opposition parties demanded discussions on during the all-party meeting on Tuesday.

    Leaders from more than 30 parties attended the meeting convened by the central government to discuss the legislative agenda and the issues likely to be taken up during the Winter Session of Parliament that begins on December 7.

    The meeting was chaired by the Union minister and deputy leader of the BJP in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh.

    Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were also present.

    Talking to reporters after the meeting, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “There are so many issues before the country, such as unemployment and price rise, and the government owes an answer to the people.”

    Chowdhury alleged that the government did not “properly” inform the Opposition about the stand-off at the Sino-India border.

    “In the House, we demand a discussion on it and also on the killings of Kashmiri Pandits,” he added.

    Congress leader Naseer Hussain demanded discussions on the appointment of the Election Commissioner in just one day and the Economically Weaker Section quota.

    Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said he, along with party colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, sought discussions on price rise, unemployment, alleged misuse of agencies and economic blockade of states.

    O’Brien also told the government that the Opposition should be allowed to raise issues of importance.

    The Winter Session will last till December 29, with 17 sittings over 23 days.

  • PM Modi chairs all-party meeting to brief leaders on India’s G20 Presidency

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired an all-party meeting to underscore the significance of India’s presidency of the G20 and brief the leaders about the government’s approach.

    India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.

    Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were among the leaders present at the meeting.

    Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were among those present at the meeting which is taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. Last month, Indonesia handed over the G20 presidency to India in the presence of PM Modi at the Bali summit for the coming year.ALSO READ | Centre could have used any national symbol other than lotus for G20 logo: Mamata

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired an all-party meeting to underscore the significance of India’s presidency of the G20 and brief the leaders about the government’s approach.

    India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.

    Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were among the leaders present at the meeting.

    Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were among those present at the meeting which is taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. Last month, Indonesia handed over the G20 presidency to India in the presence of PM Modi at the Bali summit for the coming year.ALSO READ | Centre could have used any national symbol other than lotus for G20 logo: Mamata

  • All-party meeting on caste-based census in Bihar rescheduled for June 1

    Express News Service

    PATNA: The all-party meeting on the caste-based census in Bihar has been rescheduled for June 1. Earlier, it was decided to convene a meeting on the issue on May 27. According to authoritative sources in the chief minister’s office, the meeting will be held at Samvad at 4 pm. The leaders of all political parties have been invited to the meeting to share their views on the issue.

    Deputy chief minister and BJP leader Tarkishore Prasad said that the BJP would participate in the all-party meet scheduled for June 1. “The BJP leadership will decide the name of the party’s representative for the meeting,” he added.

    The all-party meeting will be followed by cabinet approval on the proposal to hold a caste-based census in the state from its own resources. The demand for a caste-based census has been pending for a long time. Earlier, the proposal was passed by the state legislature twice.

    On Monday chief minister Nitish Kumar had said that a final decision on the date of the all-party meeting would be announced after consultation with leaders of political parties. However, most of the leaders had earlier agreed on May 27.

    Sources said the meeting has been rescheduled due to nominations for the Rajya Sabha, which started on Tuesday. The last date of nomination is May 31 and scrutiny of papers will be done on June 1. The leader of the opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had met Nitish and held a closed-door meeting on the issue of a caste-based census in the state. 

  • Bihar CM Nitish Kumar calls all-party meeting on caste-based census on May 27

    Express News Service

    PATNA: The wait for an all-party meeting on caste-based census in Bihar is now over. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has convened an all-party meeting on the issue on May 27.

    The office of the chief minister has started contacting senior leaders of political parties in the state. Former chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi confirmed that he has received information about all-party meeting on caste census.

    Manjh, who is currently in New Delhi, said that he received information about the proposed meeting on May 27 over phone on Monday. “I think this has been conveyed to leaders of other political parties as well,” he added.

    Last week, Nitish had said that an all-party meeting on caste bases census will be convened soon. “Ab jyada der nahi lagegi. Jald hin meeting bulaee jayegi (There will be no delay. The meeting will be convened soon),” he had told reporters.

    Nitish’s reaction came soon after leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav called on him at his official residence recently on the issue. The meeting will discuss the modalities of the proposed caste based census in the state. The demand for holding caste count has been raised by political parties for long.

    However, the centre has turned down Bihar government’s request for holding caste based census. A delegation of leaders of 10 political parties had also met Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh on the issue.

  • Derek O’Brien claims PM attended all-party meet for less than 10 minutes, Pralhad Joshi hits back

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: TMC MP Derek O’Brien took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was present in the all-party meeting held on Sunday for less than 10 minutes, reacting to which Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that it was Modi who pioneered attending the meet as PM since 2014.

    Modi in a Twitter post said that he attended the all-party meeting.

    “Took part in the all-party meeting before the start of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. We look forward to a productive session where all issues can be debated as well as discussed in a constructive manner,” the PM said.

    At the meeting attended by 33 parties, the prime minister said suggestions from public representatives, especially from the opposition, were valuable as they made the discussion rich.

    The meeting was held a day ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and was attended by floor leaders of various political parties.

    Besides Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister and Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi were present at the meeting.

    “Prime Minister, Sir.True. You did TAKE PART. The Parliament meeting lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes.We had the pleasure of your company for 9 minutes. You listened for 3 minutes. Allowed the photographers/video cams in for 2 minutes. And spoke to us for 4 minutes,” tweeted O’ Brien.

    After the meeting, the TMC RS MP had earlier tweeted about the short presence of the PM.

    “Today’s all-party meet before #Parliament session. 11am-1.28 pm: Leaders of Oppn parties speak. Urge GOI not to mock Parliament & discuss issues.1.29 pm: HE enters.1.30-1.31 pm: Photo Op.1.32-1.34 pm: Last Oppn leader speaks.1.35-1.39 pm: HE speaks.1.40: Bye (HE was there for 9mins).”

    In response to O’Brien’s tweet, Joshi claimed that it was clear the TMC MP had a problem with Modi chairing the all-party meeting.

    “Mr.O’Brien should answer whether any PM attended this meeting before 2014? It is Modi ji who has pioneered attendance as PM since 2014,” the parliamentary affairs minister tweeted.

  • Parties demand restoration of MPLAD funds; Lok Sabha speaker says he will raise issue with government

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Various parties, including the Congress and the TMC, on Sunday demanded restoration of MPLAD funds, in an all-party meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said.

    He assured them that he will raise the issue with the government and its top functionaries, they said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and floor leaders of various parties were present in the customary all-party meeting on the eve of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

    The session will begin on Monday and conclude on August 13.

    Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Sudeep Bandopadhyay, YSR Congress leader Midhun Reddy were among those who raised the issue of MPLAD funds during the meeting in the presence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, the sources said.

    Birla also told members that they will be given adequate opportunity for discussion on issues of public interest and appealed to them to cooperate with the Chair in the smooth conduct of the House.

    In the meeting, Speaker Birla lauded the leaders for their support during the last five sessions, an official statement said.

    He also appealed to them to continue their cooperation during the Monsoon Session too, it said.

    Leaders of political parties assured the speaker that they will extend all cooperation in smooth functioning of the House.

    Later, talking to reporters, Birla said he has requested leaders of parties in Lok Sabha to respect the sanctity and dignity of the House and sought their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the proceedings of the House.

    He said that the House represents the collective will and aspirations of the country and it is the responsibility of members to voice the concerns of the people they represent, while maintaining the decorum and rules of the House.

    The speaker said that the House belongs to all members and he will give all of them ample opportunity, including those from smaller parties and single member parties, to participate in the proceedings so that more and more issues of public interest can be discussed.

    Birla informed that for the session, extensive arrangements have been made for safety of members, officials and the media according to Covid protocols.

    He also noted that an app is being developed which will be an “one stop solution” for all parliamentary matters.

    The Monsoon session of Parliament is the sixth session of the 17th Lok Sabha and subject to exigencies of government business, would conclude on August 13.

    There would be a total of 19 sittings.

  • J&K delimitation on fast track following all party meeting

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  The delimitation process is likely to be fast-tracked following Prime Minister’s recent meeting with leaders from Jammu and Kashmir. The Delimitation Commission tasked with redrawing parliamentary and assembly constituencies in J&K will visit the Union Territory between July 6-9 to interact with stakeholders. 

    The decision follows a meeting of the poll panel chaired by Delimitation Commission chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and CEC Sushil Chandra. “The commission will interact with political parties, public representatives and UT administration officials including district election officers/deputy commissioners of 20 districts to gather information concerning the ongoing process of delimitation as mandated under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,” said the Election Commission on Wednesday.

    The commission, it said, expects stakeholders to cooperate and provide suggestions so that the task of delimitation is completed timely. During Wednesday’s meeting, the Delimitation Commission is understood to have reviewed the progress made so far, including the discussions held last week with all deputy commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir on the restructuring of the existing assembly constituencies and carving out seven new seats.

    Earlier, in a high level meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought the participation of leaders from Jammu and Kashmir in the delimitation exercise. Modi had also assured the leaders that the Centre was committed to reviving the democratic process through assembly elections as early as possible.Election Commission officials said the Delimitation Commission has already had a series of meetings related to data/map of the districts/constituencies. “Earlier, it invited all associate members for interaction, which were participated by two of the associate members,” said the EC.

  • ‘Gupkar Alliance gains relevance courtesy APM’

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR:  The All-Party Meeting (APM) to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday has given relevance to the six-party Gupkar Alliance, which was being termed as ‘Gupkar Gang’ by the BJP till now. Also, the Centre may offer some concessions, including release of prisoners, at the Delhi meeting as a confidence building measure, political observers opined.

    Political commentator Noor Mohammad Baba said the APM has once again given relevance to Gupkar alliance and other regional leaders. After discrediting them following abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Centre is now doing business with them, he said. Three of the four ex-CMs invited for the talks, including Farooq and Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, were detained and booked under Public Safety Act. Another invitee, Sajjad Lone, was also among the mainstream leaders detained.

    According to Baba, the APM is also the Centre’s admission that it has not been able to shape up the situation in Kashmir the way it wanted after Article 370 revocation. “The invitation to Gupkar alliance leaders is an admission of failure to dislodge or sideline them and create an alternate leadership,” he said. Another political commentator echoed the same views. “Although the Centre wanted to create an alternate leadership through DDC polls, that attempt failed and they had to reach out to the mainstream leaders for reviving the political process,” he said.

    He added that with the Gupkar alliance set to demand Article 370 restoration at the APM, other leaders from Kashmir will be forced to support that as they have to compete with each other on the ground. Some of these leaders, including Altaf Bukhari, had advocated moving beyond Article 370.

    Baba said that the Centre may offer some concession at the APM. “It could be statehood, modification of provisions of domicile law, release of prisoners etc.”  Without something substantial to offer, the Centre would not have convened the meeting, he added. 

  • Gupkar leaders to take call today on meet with Modi

    Express News Service
    SRI NAGAR: With the Centre yet to specify the agenda for the June 24 All-Party Meeting (APM) on Jammu and Kashmir to be chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the Gupkar alliance is in a fix over participation.Leaders of the six-party People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) — formed last year to push for Article 370 restoration — will meet at the residence of National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday to chalk out a strategy for the talks.

    Four of the alliance leaders, including Farooq and his son Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti of PDP and Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami have been invited for the APM, which is the first major outreach by the Centre since abrogation of Article 370.“Abdullah will continue consultations with party leaders tomorrow. He will take a final call on the party’s participation in the APM after attending the Gupkar Alliance meeting tomorrow,” a senior NC leader said.

    The PDP’s Political Affairs Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, met on Sunday and authorised party president Mehbooba Mufti to take a call on participation in the APM. She too would be taking a final call after attending the Gupkar Alliance meeting.A senior PDP leader said Mehbooba, who has been very vocal against Article 370 revocation, is reluctant to attend the APM. “She says attending the APM is useless as it will focus on the delimitation process. She feels it as an attempt to discredit the mainstream leaders,” said a PDP leader.

    PAGD spokesman and CPIM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said the Gupkar Alliance would meet and decide how many of their leaders would attend the APM and what issues they would be raising before the PM. “We will be discussing the modalities, approach and strategy,” said Tarigami. “Our chairman has already made it clear that we are not averse to talks.”Sources said the Gupkar leaders would decide that all of them, if they attend, will talk on Article 370 restoration even if the agenda is the delimitation process or poll.