Parliament resumes today, opposition to corner Centre on Delhi riots
The budget session of Parliament resumed on Monday and at least six political parties have given an adjournment notice over riots in Northeast Delhi. The opposition plans to corner BJP over the communal clashes. It will also demand the resignation of number 2 in government, Amit Shah. Reportedly, 23 notices have already been served in Lok Sabha. This session will continue till April 3.
Communal clashes rocked Northeast Delhi, dozens died
The National Capital came to a halt last week when a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) took a communal color. Hindus and Muslims clashed in Northeast Delhi, threw stones at one another, fired bullets, and vandalized property. Over 40 died, hundreds are recuperating in different hospitals, and the state government is working to give compensation to the victims.
MHA, that comes under Shah, was criticized
While violence raged, Delhi Police struggled to take quick steps. Naturally, police laxity was blamed on Shah's ministry. The cops were accused of aiding the rioters and not being prepared for an escalation despite inflammatory speeches being given by leaders including BJP's Kapil Mishra. The Ministry of Home Affairs said it was closely monitoring the situation but the situation on-ground remained same for hours.
Riots tarnished our global image: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress' leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said his party will raise the issue of communal tensions. "The government has miserably failed to maintain law and order. I think there must be some sort of a nexus between the rioters and a section of police officials which resulted in gruesome killings and arson that has tarnished our image across the globe," he said.
Shah must step down, Sonia said few days ago
Last week, Congress' Sonia Gandhi addressed a rare press conference after a CWC meeting asking for Shah's resignation. "What was the Home Minister doing since last week? What was the Home Minister doing earlier this week? Why were the paramilitary forces not called in earlier when the Home Ministry saw the situation worsening," she had said. Sonia-led delegation also met President Ram Nath Kovind.
Congress and other parties gave notice in Parliament
Left parties will also raise the issue
About today's plans, CPI(M) MP KK Ragesh said, "Left parties will strengthen the voice of the Opposition in Parliament and raise the issue of Delhi violence in both the Houses. I have given a notice under Rule 267 to the Rajya Sabha chairman to discuss the issue in the House." And CPI's D Raja said Shah's reply on the violence will be sought.
Issue of judge being transferred will be raised too
A Congress member said the party plans to berate Centre over the "transfer" of Justice S Muralidhar from Delhi High Court too. He had slammed Delhi Police in strong words. The senior judge heard the case in the absence of Chief Justice DN Patel. Though Justice Muralidhar's transfer was approved by a Supreme Court collegium weeks before the riots, the notification's timing raised questions.
Some important bills are pending in the Parliament
The opposition also plans to slam government over other issues like the sinking economy and agrarian distress. One of the key bills that is pending in the Parliament is the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019. The Centre also plans to have discussions on the Direct Tax Vivaad Se Vishwas Bill and Industrial Relations Code Bill, but it looks unlikely today.
