Parliament's special session will see 'historic decisions' taken: PM Modi
Ahead of the start of the five-day special session of the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted the session might be "small in duration" but "historic decisions" will be taken during it. "There are a few moments in life which fill you with enthusiasm and faith. I look at this short session like that," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Why does this story matter?
The decision by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre to call a special session soon after the conclusion of Parliament's Monsoon Session in August triggered massive criticism and speculation by the opposition. It was also speculated that the central government might be planning to permanently rename the country from "India" to "Bharat" and also introduce the "One Nation, One Election" bill.
There will be no obstacles to India's development: PM Modi
Furthermore, PM Modi revealed the session will move to the new Parliament building on Tuesday. "On Ganesh Chaturthi, we will move to the new Parliament. Lord Ganesha is also known as 'Vighnaharta,' now there will be no obstacles in the development of the country," he said. "This session of Parliament may be short, but it is historic in scope," ANI quoted him as saying.
You can watch PM Modi's statement here
Opposition MPs react to special Parliament session
Meanwhile, opposition leader and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)'s MP Tiruchi Siva told ANI that there was no need for this special session. "Yesterday, the circular they (government) issued said that it is only a normal course of session," stated Siva. "What's on the agenda of the government? We are still not aware of it. So, we are still in the dark," he added.
Opposition MP attacks Centre over 'secrecy' regarding special session
Echoing Siva's remarks, Communist Party of India (CPI) MP Binoy Viswam also questioned the BJP government for "keeping a wheel of secrecy" over all the matters. "The Parliament is beginning today; till now, this wheel of secrecy has been there for what? This shows that the BJP is a party of a conspiratorial nature, secrecy, and anti-democratic thoughts," the CPI leader told ANI.
Check out Viswam's comments here
New bills on table for Parliament's special session
According to Hindustan Times, the Centre said during Sunday's all-party meeting that four bills have been added to the agenda. These reportedly include three on the Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST) order and one concerning the welfare of senior citizens. Earlier last week, the government said four other bills were also on the agenda, taking the number to eight.
