Monsoon session: NDA in command, opposition in disarray. Will DMK tilt the balance?
The Indian opposition bloc is facing internal instability ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, while the ruling NDA government seeks to secure a two-thirds majority to pass key legislation. The Congress party has accused the government of engineering defections to manipulate parliamentary numbers.
Why it matters
The passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill requires a supermajority, making the political stability of the opposition and the government's legislative strategy critical for Indian governance.
NEW DELHI: The end of the Budget session of Parliament this year marked a rare high for the opposition. The Congress-led INDIA bloc united with other opposition parties to prevent the Centre from passing a Constitution Amendment Bill. The Bill linked implementation of women's reservation to delimitation. This was on April 17. Nearly three months down the line, as parties gear up for the Monsoon session from July 20, the euphoria of this triumph has been replaced by concern among the opposition ranks.The Bill that they had managed to stop in its tracks during the Budget session could make its way back in the Monsoon session and garner greater support in Parliament. In April, 298 members supported the Bill in Lok Sabha while 230 opposed it.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in